Nannaras X

December 24th YC 120

The second Bejawl has concluded!

Initially planned to be hosted on December 1st, the event was pushed back to the 22nd as per the order of the Patriarch after the Head Director of the Collaboration Studio, Auljam Karvose, neglected his responsibilities and failed to submit any kind of schedule for the 1st. Along with this, was Auljam was placed on mandatory medical care by the Ohrion Conglomerate, since he showed up to the meeting in which the Patriarch made the decision to postpone the event with a self-inflicted cut on his forehead. Viontha Rundon was placed in charge of the Studio until Auljam was released from Ohrion care; her orders were to immediately begin organizing a schedule for the Bejawl. Viontha managed to successfully complete this task,and submitted a scheduled well before the 22nd, but left people more confused than excited.

Half of the night was dedicated to professional wrestling–the very thing that has caused its fair share of controversy after the first Bejawl back in June. Auljam has put it out there that it has been a dream of his to establish his own wrestling brand and has been pushing to have it be an accepted form of entertainment in the Zaibatsu. When questioned about the event’s focus on professional wrestling, Viontha argued that this was to be the Studio’s biggest collaborative effort yet, with musicians creating entrance music, fashionistas creating outfits, writers creating stories and actors performing scenes. The schedule ended up being approved and signed off on by the Patriarch, either because there was too little time to send Viontha back to the drawing board, or because he saw genuine potential in what was planned.

Now that the 22nd has come and the Bejawl is in the past, ZANIE is able to fill everyone in on the night.

We begin with opening gala, with fireworks and excitement as the first wave attendees arrived and took in the creative atmosphere, as artists showed off their new masterpieces in the Hoiyori museum. All council members of the CORE modules were in attendance along with the Patriarch and Auljam, who was cleared by Ohrion Conglomerate and released from his mandatory care just in time to attend the event he created. Auljam’s reception was a warm one, with attendees pleased at his return and showing it by cheering. There was a very noticeable difference in Auljam’s appearance, as now he has a scar over his left eye–the result of a failed “Blading” job, a practice in professional wrestling that has already been preemptively banned by the Patriarch.

A ZANIE reporter at the event approached Auljam, curious of his thoughts on coming back to work on the big day when he will make one last pitch to the people of Hoiyori that professional wrestling is an appropriate form of entertainment to have in the Zaibatsu.

“It’s great to be back! Really, it is–wanna know why? Because I’m not coming back to work on another average day and sitting back behind a desk. Nah, that’s not how it is - I’m back and it’s the second Bejawl, baby. After all these long weeks we finally get to see our biggest project yet in action. I’m proud of everyone involved with this, even if this all doesn’t go how I plan. If tonight fails, it will be no-one’s fault but my own. These men and women you will see tonight are gonna give it their all and I got nothing but love for them. It was an honor getting to know them personally and working with them.”

Auljam Karvose

The art exhibition concluded in time for the scheduled three-hour professional wrestling show to begin. Remaining attendees filled into the the same auditorium where it all started during the first Bejawl on June 1st. After the outside halls were emptied and everyone was seated and quiet, the show began. A techno beat began playing on the auditorium’s sound system and onto the stage there came an unfamiliar young, fresh-faced Civire male, wearing tights. Microphone in hand, the young performer walked down to the ring, pointing out to and waving at members of the crowd, who were politely cheering for the arrival of this stranger.Stepping into the ring, he took his microphone and introduced himself as Jiho Keszer, before delivering a heartfelt opening speech welcoming everyone and thanking the people he had trained with… Until Lostar Brail interrupted him halfway through.

Before ZANIE ventures any further into this subject, we would like to remind readers that professional wrestling is a scripted and staged performance. Real security was on standby to intervene if anything went “off-script”, and were even given a classified codeword that organizers could use to immediately raise the alarm in the event of legitimate danger or interference.

That said, we go now to the transcript of this moment.

[Jiho]
“Wow! Ladies and gentlemen, it’s great to be here and seeing all of you join us here tonight. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Jiho Keszer and let me say that we got a good show in store for all of you. Backstage we have some incredible talent just waiting to come out and give it their all for you all tonight. I just want to say it was an honor working with each one of them, and-”

[Lostar]
“Oh, give it a rest, greenhorn!”

[Jiho]
“Lostar? Hey, welcome to the party! Everyone! Give this man a round of applause! He deserves it after all the hard work training myself and the other wonderful wrestlers we got here tonight.

[Crowd begins lightly cheering]

[Lostar]
“Hey, hey, hey, cut the racket. I’m not out here to get the appreciation of the peanut gallery. I’m here to ask what you think you’re doing, Jiho.”

[Jiho]
“What do you mean? I’m out here welcoming everyone.”

[Lostar]
“Sucking up to them, more likely; what’s next, you’re gonna give a shout out to the Patriarch himself and thank him for tonight as well?”

[Jiho]
“Well, yes, actually I was just about to ge-”

[Lostar]
“Stop–just stop. Please, before you disappoint me further, Jiho. See, I had high hopes for you; I’d hoped you realized that you don’t gotta cozy up to any of these nobodies in the audience. Instead, day one, fresh out of training you immediately go out and start brown-nosing to earn their favor. In this business, however, I learned that what chumps do. I prepared you to do better than this, but this is what you ultimately do: a shame.”

[Jiho]
“I’m sorry you feel that way, Lostar, but I must say you’re being incredibly disrespectful to our hosts this evening. Look, I respect you as a veteran of this industry who has leaps of experience beyond me and the sensei that taught me everything I know, but in no way are you in any place to come out here and spoil the evening.”

[Jiho]
“Then how about we put the talk aside, and you come down to this ring and we entertain these people here tonight!”

[Crowd partly cheers]

[Lostar]
“…You know, that’s a good idea–IF you were somebody that was remotely even the same league as me. Thing you gotta realize, greenhorn, is that you don’t enter the business without a single win under your belt and get a shot at taking on the veteran right away. You wanna fight with the best? You gotta earn it.”

[Jiho]
“Man, Lostar, I didn’t peg you as a coward.”

[Lostar]
“Coward? Because I don’t want to buck the schedule laid out just so I lay your rear end down on the mat? Have you forgotten you still have an official match with Oliry Paaller? Matter of fact, you do! And Jiho, that match? It starts right now.”

This moment is clearly showcasing the “heel vs face” dynamic, discussed by the actor playing Lostar Brail in a previous interview. Here, Lostar posed as the heel, with Jiho a face that the audience can get behind. Oliry Paaler’s character has yet to be fleshed out, aside from being a tank of a man that proceeded to throw Jiho around the ring. Ultimately however, Jiho prevailed and got the win after pinning Oliry to the mat for three seconds. An exhausted Jiho then proceeded to celebrate with the audience, but getting caught up in the moment he lets his guard down–and that’s when Lostar came running out of the audience. Jumping the barrier and sliding into the ring, he got into position behind Jiho to deliver his finishing powerbomb move as soon as the younger wrestler turned around. For the first time since the show started, the crowd reacted in unison to express their displeasure.

The show continued, showcasing more talent. Wrestlers of both genders were equally represented, with matches even featuring both male and females. Attire and presentation was also tasteful, with no wrestler being a caricature of a nation or culture; instead, everyone came off as genuine competitors with their own aspirations. Music-wise, there was more that could have been desired of the selected pieces for each wrestler. The Studio claims that all of it was made in-house, and it shows, with many tracks’ artists lacking experience but having the production quality that the Studio provides to their collaborators.

The matches themselves were also tame and did not feature any extremely wild elements. Fights were mostly kept in the ring, with supposed “heel” characters having the fight spill out ringside. Performers did go the extra mile and try to pull some impressive moves to wow the crowd, but their inexperience showed at points. Overall, the crowd seemed to get more engaged as the night went on, and after the dinner break halfway through the show, many returned to their seats to watch the show up until its finale. This finale featured the talented Amasa Heroy, Resha Durner and Thistya Lummus in a “triple threat” match.

The show was well-received not only by the attendees, but apparently the Patriarch himself, who was reported to be seen getting into watching the tag-team match between brotherly Sebiestor duo and two cruiserweight competitors calling themselves “The Technicians”. ZANIE was unable to approach the Patriarch to get confirmation of his opinion of the event once it finally closed, as he was preoccupied with another pressing matter. Stelmari Oksasio hinted at having a surprise to reveal at the Bejawl, and ZANIE can confirm that Stelmari gave the Patriarch a land deal on Nannaras X. For a while now, the Stelmari Exchange has been attempting to buy landmass adjacent to Namiyo going by the serial number X-ZFA12. This land is owned by the Ishukone Corporation, and remains so–we have verified that Stelmari Exchange could not seal the purchase of X-ZFA12, instead managing to get another cheaper and less essential piece of land known by the serial number Z-1SE2.

Information on both the future of professional wrestling and the new change of plans on expansion will be revealed in future articles. ZANIE will be prepared to report on any new details once they emerge.

Thebeka - The situation in space.

Thebeka

December 26th YC 120

Thebeka has recently become a hotbed of violence as conflict engulfs the surface of Thebeka III, and capsuleer forces of both Amarrian and Matari allegiance engage in skirmishes, assaults and Galnet flame wars.

Along with the detachment sent out to conduct the inspection were several ZANIE reporters in the event of there being anything else relevant to report on. Here at ZANIE we have begun to take an interest in the multitude of events that have unfolded in space between Capsuleers. As a neutral party, ZANIE has decided to tackle the task of fairly covering the actions of all sides as a neutral observer.

Defending Amarrian territory, numerous Capsuleer alliances expressing loyalty to the throne have been operating in Thebeka, such as Khimi Harar, Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris, and the more recent - and now infamous for attempting to recruit Capsuleers loyal to Sansha’s nation to fuel their war efforts in Thebeka - Aegis Militia. Coming to the aid of rebellion are a mix of individuals along with the Electus Matari, who’ve only recently stepped up operations in the system, as well as smaller organizations such as Kyn’aldrnari and Cail Avetatu who despite being small in size have experienced combat pilots. Neutral parties have also emerged in the middle of the ongoing tension to offer humanitarian aid to civilians, Imperial troops and rebel forces.

The above mentioned organizations - with the exception of PIE - have in one way or another planted their flag in the system in the form of mobile depot networks, Upwell consortium citadels, and engineering complexes.

This switch from humanitarian to full fledged military outpost was announced openly on the Intergalactic summit along with the news of Electus Matari stepping up activity in Thebeka and taking the fight to the Amarrians. All civilian staff previously stationed on Freedom’s Gate have have been evacuated and moved to another civilian base outside of Thebeka.

ZANIE reporters managed to get in contact with Elsebeth Rhiannon to learn more about this choice. According to her, despite the full willingness to flip the switch on Freedom’s Gate, she would’ve been perfectly fine with it operating at a civilian level and providing only humanitarian support. It was however the war declaration by PIE that pushed her hand to turn it into a military installation.

With Electus Matari taking a bigger role in Thebeka and using Freedom’s Gate as a staging post, a new factor emerges that shakes up the playing field for Amarrian forces. When asked “What tides of change Electus Matari is bringing to the Thebeka situation?”, she responded with this:

"I cannot unfortunately answer questions in a way that will reveal operational information. However it will be the locals on the planet [who] will win or lose this in the end. We have some recorded kills out that should give you an idea of what we have fielded so far.”

Elsebeth Rhiannon

Choosing to let actions speak for Electus Matari, ZANIE can say from looking at battle reports coming out of Thebeka that Electus Matari aren’t settling for a few frigates and destroyers, but fielding entire battleship fleets to engage in skirmishes with Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris, Societas Imperialis Sceptri Coronaeque and Aegis Militia.

SII Humanitarian Center

The SII Humanitarian Center is owned by Sorn Interstellar Industries. As the name implies, the structure is also here to supply humanitarian services to non-combatants. The center’s focus is entirely aimed at the civilians, with specialists being sent down to war-torn areas for search and rescue operations to pull and evacuate civilians caught up in the ongoing crossfire down on Thebeka III. Along with this the service is being extended to any former slaves being harboured by rebel forces, if possible, however the bulk of people aided by SII are overwhelmingly made up of the civilian population.

ZANIE managed to reach out to the co-founder of Sorn Interstellar Industries, Maria Blackfire, to learn about why exactly she’s gotten involved. When asked what her exact motives are, she had this to say:

“Sorn interstellar industries will not stand by while innocents suffer be it Amarrians or Minmatar. SII knows how to how it feels to be on the lower end of the spectrum, we have always looked after small people.

And after Kahah the Khanids have been in a bad light so I feel the need to show that not all of us are bad.”

Maria Blackfire

The bad light on the Khanids Maria is referencing comes from a rather infamous handling of a slave revolt by the Khanid Kingdom on the world of Kahah III, which brings us to the next item in this list.

Ammatar Independence Movement

Formerly called the Ammatar Mandate Observation Post - This engineering complex is held by a rather mysterious group calling themselves “The Ghosts of Kahah” and are led by a Capsuleer of Ammatar origins named Armast Darkar. It is revealed to the reporter that made contact with Armast that the Ghosts of Kahah are a cell of survivors from the failed invasion of Kahah III where Armast Darkar himself helped coordinate a fleet with Ushra’khan forces. This fleet met considerable resistance from a defensive Amarrian fleet but managed to hold the field;it failed however, by losing the primary objective, a providence-class freighter piloted by Armast Darkar which was destroyed with all invasion assets in tow.

Survivors of this battle, sympathizers that condemn the violent actions taken on Kahah III, and Ammatar seeking independence have enlisted into this cell to make a difference. Armast Drakar has established himself as a voice of independence for the Ammatar, but has had his political efforts crippled by being officially flagged as a heretic by the Amarr Empire. News of this was delivered by the grandmaster of The Order of St. Tetrimon, Khemon Dulsur an-Tetrimon, who appeared in the Thebeka system in an Apostle-class carrier on December 19th and said this directly to Armast in the local FTL channel:

“Let us be clear, Darkar, you are attained as a heretic and are no longer Ammatar in the eyes of God, Empress or any other would be loyal.”

Khemon Dulsur an-Tetrimon
[From logs compiled by Arradina Varren]

The station anchored by the Ghosts has been a target for Amarrian Capsuleers. Despite there being no officially declared motive for the complex, PIE have already declared a CONCORD sanctioned war on the Ghosts of Kahah and have besieged the complex repeatedly to its final timer with logistical assistance from Khimi Harar. Its final vulnerability phase on the 25th however would see no assault but instead the arrival of a fleet of tornados waving the banner of the Goonswarm Federation. Typically when pilots of Goonswarm are seen flying tornados in high-security space- there’s little for the imagination to think about.

However, ZANIE reached out to the pilot Arrendis, a member of Goonswarm who has been frequenting Thebeka and any discussions related to the ongoing crisis. Details of their involvement became much clearer and came off as vaguely honorable even. When asked “Why did Goonswarm get involved?” - Arrendis had this to say:

“First, it’s important to stress that Goonswarm didn’t. RepSwarm, an Imperium Special Interest Group, got involved because experienced combat alliances were using so-called neutral logi to beat on a 2-man mining corp that made the mistake of taking a political stand without knowing just how unprepared they were to defend it. ‘Neutral’ logi is nothing of the sort. It’s a way to avoid really committing to a war, and evade any reprisals from your targets.”

“We came to Thebeka to provide a deterrent against that sort of unethical behavior. We’re glad that Khimi Harar have opted to make their stance official and allow for their enemies to hit back. We’re also glad that both Khimi Harar and PIE have apparently decided to spare the structure and maybe even allow it to unanchor peacefully. RepSwarm’s job is to preserve life, and that’s what we hope to have achieved here.”

Arrendis Culome - SIG lead of RepSwarm

Curious to find out more about the intended use of this structure and the Ghosts’ motives to be out here, the reporter talking to Amast asked what exactly was going on - Armast had this to say:

“The Ghosts of Kahah intended to only support the rebels on the surface after consultation with Samira Kernher, who possesses knowledge specific to the fighting inside of the Holding under the administration of Lord Khalil Numayr. PIE’s declaration of war and escalation of hostilities in space prevented even a preliminary meeting from taking place.”

Armast Darkar

Mojemi Jaira

Mojemi Jaira Astrahus Is owned by Cail Avetatu, which ZANIE is led to believe is a offshoot sect of the Amarr Faith. Spearheading this sect is the Capsuleer Samira Kernher who is in Thebeka in support of the rebel forces.

Mojemi Jaira is a humanitarian outpost that is also providing limited military support to rebel forces planetside. Along with this is the consideration for the health and wellbeing of any Amarrian POWs in rebel hands. Samira Kerhner appears to have sympathy for both the Amarr forces and rebels fighting for their freedom. But upon further investigation it appears this matter is more personnel. A ZANIE reporter managed to get in contact with Samira and learn more about her motives when asking her what her mission here is.

This was her response:

“My facilities are mainly providing humanitarian support to any non-combatants and anyone wounded in the fighting, where we can. It’s also true that we’re helping the rebels. While this is my homeworld and I hate seeing violence here, it is proof of how much reformation needs to happen. Corruption and sin festers at the top levels of Amarr, for we gave them great power and freedom under the false hope that they had proven themselves responsible of it. Instead, they ignore and cover up their own abuses, even pardoning King Khanid, while they punish the lower classes and slaves on a whim or for crimes committed by people who died thousands of years ago. The enemies of the inside must be controlled. These enemies are not the people, as the upper classes have claimed, but themselves and their own unchecked sins."

Samira Kerhner

The citadel has been attacked by PIE forces, making this another structure assaulted by the Amarrians. In the case of this structure however, not even the shields were penetrated and the CONCORD sanctioned war between PIE and Cail Avetatu was briefly dropped before being oddly activated again by Samira Kernher herself.

Aegis 1

Anchored by the Aegis Militia, the Aegis 1 saw a rather quick demise compared to above mentioned structures. So quick, that it was in fact during the brief period of vulnerability between its anchoring and anchored phase that it was destroyed by pilots of Electus Matari and their friends. Given how the structure was in a high-security system, you’d wonder how anyone was able to legally attack the structure so quickly. It appears this was the result of Aegis Militia submitting a war declaration shortly after beginning the anchoring process. The war would begin and pilots of Aegis Militia and Electus Matari would be allowed to freely engage one another just after this one vulnerability window began.

Electus Matari wholeheartedly made the best out of this opportunity, and succeeded in destroying the Astrahus with a mixed Typhoon and Guardian fleet, versus Aegis Militia’s mostly long range Raven fleet.

Aegis Militia however entered Thebeka looking to aid the Amarr Empire, so the next question is; where was Aegis 1’s backup from pilots of other Amarr loyal organizations like PIE or Khimi Harar? Well the answer to that resides in a pile of controversy Aegis Militia made for themselves, after the “Khanid Hedge Knight” and Capsuleer Kithrus attempted to recruit a pilot with sympathetic viewpoints to Sansha’s Nation. The pilot in question is Evi Polevhia, a capsuleer belonging to the Phoenix Naval Systems (PNS) alliance, and formerly a committed member of the infamous True Slave Foundation, a corporation of Capsuleers loyal to Sansha Kuvakei’s twisted vision.

Kithrus’ pitch was leaked by Evi herself on the Intergalactic Summit (IGS). Capsuleers were either shocked, disgusted, or more often completely unsurprised at the lows Aegis Militia went to to bolster their roster ahead of deploying to Thebeka. Not helping their case is the rather dark justification Kithrus provides in his pitch for why Aegis would be recruiting Sansha sympathizers into their organization:

“Let me put it this way, if you experiment on our enemies I don’t give a damn. We may have a few, even PIE. Depends how they react to the roster. I want results, you provide them I don’t care how morality be damned.”

Kithrus

The actions taken here by Aegis Militia has effectively alienated themselves from the bloc of Amarrian allies. PIE forces didn’t not interfere when the citadel was besieged. Truly the Aegis Militia has had a rocky start trying to settle in Thebeka, and their current status is unknown.

Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris

Better known simply as PIE, the Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris has played a significant role in Thebeka by being the most well organized and militarily prepared group of Capsuleers coming to the aid of the Amarr Empire. As one can tell from reading about previous structures, PIE has been no stranger to going on the offensive and besieging assets of the various rebel supporters in Thebeka.

However what appears to be overt and blind zealous aggression is actually a series of reasonably tactical choices given the sensitivity of the situation in Thebeka. ZANIE has managed to get in contact with PIE Lord Admiral Gaven Lok’ri for more information. PIE’s involvement here is no mystery given the fevered devotion PIE has had to the Empire since its founding; they’re here purely to look out for the Empire above all and are not taking any risks with protecting her. The decisions to attack and declare war on Cail Avetatu, SOE Roughriders, and The Ghosts of Kahah were made due to key figures involved with each group having earned a KOS status from PIE well before the events of Thebeka. Amast Darkar aided Ushra’Khan forces in a invasion of Kahah III, Elsebeth Rhiannon has a good track record of expressing anti-amarr sentiments along with being present at the attempted invasion of Kahah III, and Samira Kernher collaborated with Capsuleer Mizhara Del’thul to perform a terrorist attack on the assets of Alar Chakaid on Zirsem V. When asked point blank if PIE’s policy was shooting first and asking question later - the Lord Admiral said this:

“We aren’t operating on a shoot first and ask questions later policy. We are operating on a policy in which we assume that those who have earned a kill on sight due to actions against the Amarr Empire are continuing to work against the Amarr Empire. Past militant action against Holy Amarr speaks far louder than their words ever could.”

Gaven Lok’ri

This quote more or less settles how PIE Is operating in Thebeka. Those that have previously become a threat to the Amarr Empire are being treated and seen as a threat to the Amarr Empire. New motives are a moot point when it comes one’s KOS status.

Khimi Harar

On team Amarr, made up of the Societas Imperialis Sceptri Coronaeque and Sha’ha’dem Explorers is the recently formed alliance called Khimi Harar. Spearheading the alliance is SFRIM Directrix Lunarisse Aspenstar, who’s perspective ZANIE was able to get some insight into. Khimi Harar has been another contributing force in providing relief to Imperial-loyal citizens, however instead of basing humanitarian work out of a citadel like other groups, SFRIM has set up small networks of mobile depots in orbit of Thebeka III. These mobile depots serve as storage for supplies and personnel, staging platforms, and command centers. From theses platforms, Khimi Harar coordinates efforts planetside., oOver a thousand logistical and medical specialists with an armed security detail ofin equal sized are present on Thebeka III. In space toohowever, Khimi Harar are putting in their fair share of support on the field by providing PIE with logistical support. However this only came after Armast Drakar and friends destroyed an Omen piloted by the Directrix, and began attacking and reinforcing their staging depots and citing that “CONCORD allowed it”. and tThus the Directrix informed her own pilots that they may do whatever CONCORD allows.

This brings us to a slice of controversy, with Khimi Harar being seen aiding PIE fleets with logistical vessels not flagged as legal targets to the Ghosts of Kahah, induring an official CONCORD war, between PIE and The Ghosts of Kahah. When asked about this and cross checking with Lord Admiral Gaven Lok’ri, SFRIM forces did in fact supply neutral logistics to PIE forces in an assault on on the Ammatar Independence Movement citadel. Both alliances then relocated to the system of Dresi to defend a PIE citadel previously reinforced by The Ghosts of Kahah and Mordor Industries Inc, who are reported to have brought their own neutral logistics in the form of three Nestors.

When asked directly for a mission statement, the Directrix responded with this:;

“Given the situation in Thebeka, and the call by the Empire for loyal capsuleers to assist, we deployed to do so."

Lunarisse Aspenstar

Mordor Industries inc.

A strange third party appeared in Thebeka and provided additional firepower to support The Ghosts of Kahah. Mordor Industries had a brief episode in Thebeka where they acted as the Ghosts of Kahah’s closet allies in the field. One would assume Mordor has some pre-existing relationship with Armast Darkar for them to been seen working together, but upon further investigation it appears Mordor Industries had no prior association with any party involved in Thebeka.

Managing to get in contact with the CEO Terra Stellari, ZANIE learned that Mordor’s involvement comes in the form of a word from a business partner that has been in contact with Armast. This middleman in the equation has remained classified, but Terra is open about her groups motives in Thebeka. No money swapped hands and Mordor Industries had no allegiance to either side and primarily got involved to make a difference. When asked what her corporation were planning by stepping into Thebeka, she had this to say

"I felt it would be an interesting engagement as well as provide a good learning opportunity for myself and my corpmates. It also felt nice to help a smaller group fight off a much larger one."

Terra Stellarii

According to Armast Darkar himself, Mordor’s involvement had been essential in some of the earlier engagements but has since pulled out of Thebeka. Gaven Lok’ri also commented that while the combined forces of Ghosts/Mordor were “less than coordinated” they had remarkable aggression when engaging members of PIE and Khimi Harar. Despite pulling out, Terra revealed that assets are still stored in system in case they decide to resume operations there.

By now ZANIE believes all things of note have been reported on. Should any new developments occur, ZANIE will be there to report on them.

I think this should deserve more than a click. Excellent job and lovely to see so much work put into it. From what I can tell, any mistakes or inaccuracies are so minor that they’re irrelevant or can be chalked up to simply perspective being what it is.

I’m curious why the one putting up a hundred percent more structures around Thebeka III than anyone else wasn’t included?
Edit: Also, it’s worth noting PIE (using neutrals in the P-N- or “Paine Corporation” corporation) has anchored an Astrahus around Thebeka. Fairly normal fit, albeit low on application and high on damage output. Current reff timer, 02:00 Saturday, coming Reff timer Friday 03:00 at the time of writing.

… since it seems we’re talking structures here.

I could have sworn it was a PNS affiliated drop. How wrong one can be.

It is easy to believe that the only news that matters is what comes out of the major alliances in deep null-sec, due to their constant posturing and propaganda. But … the world is made of stories large and small. It would be a barren place, if it wasn’t for small groups and individuals described herein, finding motivation and meaning to carry on.

Thanks ZANIE for taking the time to shed light on the smaller happenings, that so many larger groups would declare an irrelevant waste of time.

Council meeting for January - YC 121 Arrives

Nannaras X

January 1st YC 121

Before beginning, ZANIE would like to wish everyone–from Zaibatsu colonists to readers out there in New Eden–a Happy New Year.

That said, with YC 121’s arrival and the month of December ending , it’s time once again for the monthly council meeting between the Patriarch and the seven leaders of the CORE modules that make up the Zaibatsu. These meetings are to go over the month’s statistics and make plans for the new month ahead. Given how this month in particular means the start of a whole new year, some rather meaningful issues were discussed in the council meeting already held.

So without further ado, the highlight moments of the meeting.

Z-1SE2

Z-1SE2 is the serial number given by the Caldari State to one of the many landmasses on Nannaras X. Z-1SE2 is some distance off the eastern coast of Namiyo, were Hoiyori resides and now belongs to the Zaibatsu after a deal between the previous owners, the Ishukone Corporation, and the Stelmari Exchange. However, this was not the land the Zaibatsu initially wanted-- for those unaware, a number of months ago House Yaken made an unsolicited bid for X-ZFA12, a landmass off the western coast, tasked the Stelmari Exchange with making the deal happen.

The purchase of Z-1SE2 was no accident or mixup, and was entirely a conscious decision made by Exchange President Stelmari Oksasio after being unable to get Ishukone contacts to yield and sell them the land. We go now to this quote regarding his thinking in this situation.

“I see it has having two options… First Option? Return to the Patriarch with empty hands. Second option? Return him with filled one. As you can see I went with the latter, because ultimately they wanted more land so that’s what I brought back with me: land. Now, it ain’t no X-ZFA12, it’s sure as hell ain’t, but it’s a giant landmass to walk your two legs on that’s for sure… Hell, this land is cheaper and even a little bit bigger, so what’s the huge problem? It’s a little… eh, gnarly, but with a little elbow grease it will be some prime real estate.”

Stelmari Oksasio

When Stelmari refers to Z-1SE2 as being “gnarly”, he refersto the horrific condition the land is in. Z-1SE2 was a cheap dumping ground for other Ishukone Facilities on Nannaras X and third parties that paid a fee. Dumping here was a more cost effective and quicker alternative to ever launching waste into the nearest sun.

As such, Z-1SE2 is a swampland of broken machinery with vines made of wires and cords, and rivers of human waste and industrial fluids. In its current state, Z-1SE2 is in no way ready for any large scale construction projects. Instead, what’s first going to happen is a large scale clean-up operation to rid Z-1SE2 of any waste and recycle any scrap that can be of use. Responsibility of the clean-up operation is being given to Lucrative Excavations for their more “labor-minded workforce”. Already, there has been a slight uproar in Lucrative Excavations’ workforce in response, with some objecting to Monden Searbier’s supposed “spineless acceptance” of these orders.

Experts estimate it could take an entire year before Z-1SE2 is cleaned up and ready for proper construction to begin. Until then, Lucrative Excavations, along with a security detail supplied by the Myrskytuuli Regiment, will be deployed to the landmass to commence work immediately. The comfort of the workers a serious concern however, with appropriate funding being given to Lucrative Excavations to acquire whatever gear or equipment they need to ensure the job is both sanitary and safe. Lucrative Excavations will also be allowed to utilize drone technology for those tasks which could be considered “inhumane” to ask of any worker. Information on what exactly is on Z-1SE2 is frankly limited, and new disgusting details are still being uncovered.

Professional Wrestling

The second Bejawl that capped off the end of YC 120 for the Zaibatsu ended with rather genuine approval from the population and the Patriarch himself who found the three hour performance to be “tasteful and entertaining at times”. The wrestling performance at the Bejawl on December 22nd showcased a collaborative effort from almost every creative department of the Studio and contained nothing overtly edgy, respectfully portraying both male and female wrestlers in a appropriate light and leaving attendees engaged and entertained. As such, the Patriarch has given the Studio more funding to expand their wrestling programs. That said, Auljam will not be able to establish an official Zaibatsu wrestling brand just yet, but is being given more faith and trust in his ambitions.

“I can’t believe we pulled we pulled it off! I-I-I mean I knew we could do it, but at the same time I’m shocked that we even did it, you know? Whatever, bottom line is that this is incredible; we’re not exactly at our full potential yet, but we ain’t gonna scoff at gaining some ground. These men and women who took part in the Bejawl show are eager and ready to make the best out of this trust given to us by the Patriarch and I can promise him–and the whole Zaibatsu–that this isn’t even the beginning, not even the prologue, but the damn birth of something great.”

Auljam Karvose

Related to this is wrestler Himiri Besi’s last-minute renewal of his contract with the Collaboration Studio. Himiri hinted in an article about this possibility in a interview, depending on how the Bejawl ended, and given the population’s general approval, it’s safe to say it was good enough for Himiri to continue work for the Studio.

The article featured voices on all sides of the conflict in space, as well as a few neutral parties that are involved with their own motives. Once published, the article was overwhelmingly well received by all of these contributors and by many others who had no prior knowledge of the situation in Thebeka. It is thanks to this positivity that ZANIE is now looking more into the potential of expanding its range of news coverage. Currently, ZANIE’s focus is local stories related to the Zaibatsu, but Thebeka’s case was unique, given how the Zaibatsu were only initially operating in Thebeka as a neutral third party conducting the inspection of two freeport citadels suspected of being used to achieve the goals of the Angel Cartel.

The inspection was unable to find anything, despite their exhaustive search of the facilities. This inspection was also cut short after a Caldari Militia Capsuleer brought in other pilots of said militia, not originally Involved with Thebeka, to besiege the two freeports. A ceasefire was later called by the owners and the structures are being unanchored at this time. Regiment forces that went to inspect the freeports have already been called back and returned to their original duties.

For YC 121, ZANIE will be keeping a closer eye on Capsuleer activity in search of any breaking stories. Local news will remain the primary focus of the News Institute, but we will not shy away from doing a service to the wider cluster and reporting on some of the countless events in space when the chance arises

Interview: Elsebeth Rhiannon

Thebeka - Freedom’s Gate

December 4th YC 121

ZANIE is digging in and continuing the coverage of the Thebeka crisis currently underway. Not to overshadow the other four massive slave revolts currently underway in Amarrian territory. Thebeka however has become a special case as Independent Capsuleers of both the Empire and Republic have centralized in this system and are trying to sway the ongoing rebellion on Thebeka III in favor of the rebels, or Imperial forces.

ZANIE previously published and article reporting on the current Capsuleer organizations in Thebeka, as well as a quick rundown of some of the events that transpired with their arrival. Now, in an attempt to continue the coverage but keep the content fresh, ZANIE is planning to release several interviews featuring voices from both sides, as well some neutral figures. To start this off, ZANIE has made contact with Elsebeth Rhiannon of Electus Matari once again and asked her if she willing to participate. She agreed.

Out in the field, we have ZANIE’s new improvised external report team. Made up of the personal that accompanied the Inspection crew sent to Thrbeka to conduct a search of two questionable freeports. Leading this team is Kalto Moxin, who was the given honor of coming aboard Freedom’s Gate, an Astrahus citadel serving as a staging base for Electus Matari forces in the system. The two would meet in hangar bay Delta-2 to have the following conversation.

[Kalto]
"Today, I find myself being a guest aboard the Electus Matari staging Astrahus and have the honor with speaking with the commander of this station - Elsebeth Rhiannon. Elsebeth, thank you for setting aside the time to speak with me."

[Elsebeth]
"I am happy to have the opportunity."

[Kalto]
"As am i…Rather huge upgrade for me to be talking face to face with a Capsuleer…But enough about that, I want to go ahead and start and ask more about who you are. See, we are currently in the middle of a warzone…I may be over-hyping the situation in space saying that, but the tensions here are so critical that personal identity no longer matters and each side only cares about what uniform you’re wearing and what flag you’re waving. We, and the Cluster already knows the answer to both those questions - but what we don’t know is who exactly you are as a individual in all this. So I ask you, who is Elsebteh Rhiannon?

[Elsebeth]
“Who is any of us, but our associations? I am, like you said, the commander of this station. I am the CEO of SoE Roughriders. I am one of the first directors of Gradient, and a long-term member of Electus Matari. I’m Rhiannon, from Mikramurka, Matar. I am not, to be honest, sure what that question means.”

[Kalto]
“It’s a question I ask because you can see both sides profiling the other…The Amarr are looking at the rebels and Matari supporters as barbarians insighing wide-scale violence while the Matari are looking at the Amarrians as brainwashed zealots…By asking a question like that I aim to cut past the allegiances - past the politics - and show anyone who ends up reading this conversation whole you really are, and not the caricature. However if it’s your allegiance you identify with, I cant hold that against you.”

[Elsebeth]
"I am free-born Sebiestor of a high-class trade and investment clan, born and raised to take over the clan operations. I would see myself through my contacts."

[Kalto]
“Sounds like the perfect background for someone who ends up becoming a Capsuleer…Exactly how long have you been a Capsuleer?”

[Elsebeth]
"Almost from the beginning of the indie line. I got my license from Pator Tech in 03/106. It was the craze then… we all tested for compatibility and all applied who could. Considered it our patriotic duty… Well. I suppose it was."

[Kalto]
“That’s certainly a long time ago…Its safe to say you know your way around New Eden…But when you say you consider this your patriotic duty, I take it that means you’ve always been loyal to the Republic were many others deviated from their nations to forge a new in the NULL security regions."

[Elsebeth]
“I. <pauses> I said I did consider it such, when I first applied. Certainly that was always a big thing for me… And it is, obviously, still the purpose of Electus Matari.”

[Kalto]
“Which brings us to the next topic - Electus Matari. So far it seems Electus Matari has been a significant factor in supporting the rebels and taking a fight to Amarrian Capsuleers up here in space…I’m just a spectator however, so i wanna ask you - someone who’s actively participating in the conflicts - how things are going for Electus Matari and their efforts to help rebel forces"

[Elsebeth]
“I cannot unfortunately answer operational questions beyond what has been published in status updates on the IGS and public killboards.”

[Kalto]
"Then allow me to ask a question that’s more related to your perspective of current events…Kahah III sparked something in the hearts of the Matari people, not just the massive revolts on multiple worlds or the Republic Capsuleers coming in. But you got voices in the Ammatar Mandate calling for defection and the Republic itself stepping up border security, teasing at a bigger conflict. From your perspective, do you have an idea of how this all gonna end? Will this fizzle out and become another footnote in New Eden’s history and the next day is just business as usual, or do you think something is gonna be changing after the smoke clears?”

[Elsebeth]
“Well, one can never be certain, right? But I can say for sure that I would not become involved in operations in the Amarr and Khanid heartlands if I did not believe this could be a spark to more than a footnote in a history book.”

[Kalto]
“But the question is what could potentially follow after this, as mentioned, the Republic has propped up a blockade in response…But something I’m curious about is if this is the only move the Republic could make with CONCORD in play here. Do you think the Republic is just protecting their borders and allowing loyal Capsuleers to handle the Thebeka situation or would you say they’re some temptation on their end to buck CONCORD and move in.”

[Elsebeth]
“In general, my personal understanding is that the Republic has always been more about playing time than about a lasting peace with the Enemy. The ‘big one’, the real hot war with the Empire will come, eventually. Ideally, it will come at a time when we are as strong as possible, and the Empire is as weak as possible. These rebellions, if they spread, will weaken the Empire in any case. Their internal strife weakens them. It might be a better move to just watch the show, and strike later. It is certainly a better move than it has been to watch the Militia wars weaken us relative to them. So yes. Definitely there is temptation to do more. There is always that temptation. The waiting game takes a lot of patience and many uncomfortable sacrifices. Most Matari would welcome and end to it, come hell or high water… But whether the Tribal Council thinks that going full-out this time makes strategic sense, I cannot say.”

[Kalto]
“I see…Well, I appreciate giving me your opinion in the situation. Now I want your opinion on another subject. @Alar_Chakaid, Sa-Baron of Zirsem V and a rather central figure in this whole debacle, played an infamous role at Kahah III and has made himself involved in discussions by Capsuleers. I imagine you’re not quite fond of Alar, but what do think his angle is in all of this?”

[Elsebeth]
“No, I’m indeed not a fan. I’m surely everyone has a favorite theory of the Sa-Baron, but my personal take is a rather mundane one: I think he’s a power hungry Khanid noble who does not hesitate to use anything and everything to use anything and everything to strengthen his position in the court and weaken the Amarr influence the King. Whether he was actually behind the initial Deathglow attacks and in league of the Blooders, who knows, but at least he has no qualms of using the situation to strengthen his own public image.”

[Kalto]
"Weaken the Amarr influence? What exactly do you mean by that?”

[Elsebeth]
“I mean that it does seem to me that Chakaid’s dream is a strong Khanid Kingdom, separate from the Empire. He is not stupid, and his actions and his words are pretty much designed to set the Kingdom and the Empire - and maybe specifically Ardishapur and Khanid - at odds. The harshness of the treatment of the rebellion was most definitely not only aimed at the rebels; it was also a message to other Amarr vassals about what extents the Kingdom can and will go to. It’s basically an invitation - “what are you gonna do about it?’ And the more… genuinely religious… parts of the Empire will lose no matter what they do: interfering with the Kingdom would be trouble, but not interfering will increase the influence of the Sa-Baron and his ilk.”

[Kalto]
"So Kahah III was less of a “Amarr Vs Matari” conflict, but more of a Amarr vs Matari vs Kahnid one in a sense…Now I have one final question - you’re a busy woman, clearly. And the amount of activity in this hanger, as well as the size of the cannon strapped to that ship over there proves that. But I want to ask about the Caldari and Gallente, yes they’re irrelevant to Thebeka, but that’s exactly my point. While Capsuleers to these nations may have weighed in with their 2 kredits. Neither empire has any Capsuleer representation in Thebeka as far as I know. With the exception of a brief appearance of a Caldari force besieging two freeports owned by a questionable third party…But i wanna ask if you prefer this conflict remained between your people and the Amarr, or would Electus Matari welcome Federal supporters to jump in and pitch in?”

[Elsebeth]
“Frankly, at this point there’s very few supporters I’d not welcome. The situation is a very annoying stalemate, and the loser in wars of attrition is always the smaller party, which we obviously very definitely are, fighting Amarr in their own territory. It’s a little bit of a complicated situation though with Fed allies among capsuleers… things have not been the same since Colelie. There’s definitely still some bad blood, and while I have found my way of moving on, I cannot blame people who have not.”

[Kalto]
“Very well then…Ms.Rhiannon - Elsebeth - I thank you for allowing me to come aboard Freedom’s Gate and allowing me to speak to you. By chance to you have any closing remarks? Anything we didn’t touch that you’d like to mention? Some message to the readers? The floor is yours for this final moment.”

[Elsebeth]
“I would just simply say thank you to all allies and friends, sisters and brothers, who have been in this with us. There have been so many people, coming together from so many different walks of life. The usual suspects and visible faces, yes, but also many who have chosen to go silent and without glory. Warriors and leaders, yes, but also those who ferry food and water, comfort children separated from their parents, tend to the sick and wounded, and open their homes for those who have never had one. I am Marked a speaker of words and keeper of traditions, but so many people live those words: ‘rise up’ and ‘never again’ and ‘welcome home’. No matter what future brings, I will always be grateful for having had the honor to be part of this network."

[Kalto]
“Inspiring words, it was truly an honor to have this chance to speak with you. Good luck out there.”

This time around, ZANIE field reporter Kalto Moxsin has managed to make contact with a third party that came to Thebeka to provide humanitarian support to both sides of the conflict. Two freeports were erected to provide this aid, but legitimacy was brought into question by the public due to the owners having ties to the Angel Cartel. A plan was made for a neutral third party to step in and conduct the search and it ended up being none other than the Raata Zaibatsu - This would be the Zaibatsu’s first involvement in Thebeka before ZANIE started covering the ongoing events.

The owner of these structures is the Capsuleer Kalaratiri, and Kalton Moxin has been given the chance to sit down and discuss her new involvements in Thebeka after Caldari Militia forces briefly inserted themselves into Thebeka to besiege the two freeports during the Zaibatsu’s inspection - which was yielding no evidence of malicious goals. Zaibatsu forces evacuated and were unable to conclude the search, the freeports were spared after Kalaratiri struck a deal with attacking forces to un-anchor the structures - This deal was followed up on, but unfortunately the attackers did not state in their agreement that the pilot would cease operation in Thebeka, only unanchor the freeports. As such, Kalaratiri is back, having anchored an astrahus for a new purpose.

In order to find out more, we turn to the transcript of the conversation the two shared.

[Kalto]
"Today, I have the pleasure of being aboard the newly, and controversially, anchored citadel in Thebeka - Adriel. An Astrahus-class Citadel owned by the Capsuleer “Kalaratiri”, who’s sitting right across from me. Kalaratiri, thank you for having me - normally I’d start off by asking how you’re feeling, but I feel it’s more appropriate if I start off asking what exactly is going on here? You started off with two freeports aimed at providing humanitarian care for any side in the conflicts and now you’ve returned after fulfilling your agreement. "

[Kalaratiri]
It’s nothing too complicated. The Raitarus Hesediel and Jegudiel were taken down after negotiations with the aggressors, and now Adriel has been erected for a different purpose.

[Kalto]
“But what purpose exactly? Are you starting to swing for one side of the conflict? Simply interfering with select parties? Or a new motive that contradicts the humanitarian motive you’ve previously came to Thebeka with?”

[Kalaratiri]
Well, I can’t say too much or I’d be giving the game away. I can say I’m not attempting to be humanitarian any more.

[Kalto]
"I wanna come back to this, but first I think it’s urgent that we address the titan in the hanger before doing so…See what I did there? Capsuleers - titans? Anyway, when you first came to Thebeka with a humanitarian motive it was met with doubt from both sides given that you have some ties to the Angel Cartel. Now allow me to say we’re not judging you, simply asking and allowing you to set the record straight on the subject of your allegiances or sympathies. So the direct question is “Are you a sympathizer of the Angel Cartel?” To be blunt. If yes, could you go into detail as to exactly why? Or are these ties purely a business relationship.”

[Kalaratiri]
“More than a sympathizer, I answer directly to a Domination, when he calls. Despite that, my exact status with the Cartel is complicated. They very, very rarely accept Capsuleers publicly. It’s probably best described as me choosing to align myself with the Cartel, the Guardians in particular, while they, at an official level, pretend I don’t exist. This arrangement suits us both fine. As for why, the Cartel has always been most welcoming on a personal level. They gave me a family when I didn’t have one.”

[Kalto]
“So this isn’t a business relationship, thus your association isn’t about currency? To you have some duty to fulfill for the cartel? Or to streamline all those questions, when you take orders from the higher ups, why do you carry them out? What’s your motivation aside from seeing family in the Cartel?”

[Kalaratiri]
“Does there need to be more?”

[Kalto]
"In a manner of speaking, yes, As I said, I wanted to come back to the subject of your new motive in Thebeka… When you first came, you claimed to have an honorable goal in mind for why you’re putting up assets worth millions of ISK in orbit of Thebeka III. The public doubts them due to your association with the cartel - And forgive me if I’m assuming how you think, but I imagine you’re thinking “Why should I care what the public thinks?” That’s not what I’m asking to figure out - What I’m trying to figure out is what are you here for this second time around? Are you here to fulfill some arrangement for the Cartel? A blunt example fulfilling the fear other Capsuleers had and trying to take advantage of the crisis to acquire slaves for the cartel? Or is all this gonna be kept between you and the Capsuleers who thought they could run you out of town? Who’s the target in the crosshairs here? And if you don’t want to be specific, I’ll take a single word answer of either Capsuleer or Baseliners.”

[Kalaratiri]
“I have no interest in taking anybody from the planet. I didn’t before and I don’t now.”

[Kalto]
“Your response holds merit as the Myrskytuuli Regiment inspectors assigned to check your freeports for any signs of foul play didn’t turn up any evidence to suggest you were interested in keeping any of the locals. Albeit the search was cut short after the Caldari Militia showed up all of a sudden, but I digress. So this is about the other Capsuleers? If you still don’t have interest in taking any of the planetside population and are no longer interested in providing humanitarian support, then you must be here for the Capsuleers. What else is up here in Thebeka? Now I ain’t asking for you to give me a list of your targets, but what is this about? Just, you’re done playing nice and are playing the troublesome pirate they want you to be?”

[Kalaratiri]
“There’s a lot of potential reasons for me to remain in Thebeka; some of them might even be accurate. Simply, I’m here because it’s where I want to be right now.”

[Kalto]
“Well I wouldn’t exactly call Thebeka the most ideal place to have a vacation if you’re here for the scenery.”

[Kalaratiri]
“I certainly have been enjoying the view. It’s a very pretty planet.”

[Kalto]
“With all due respect…Your determination to remain vague about your goal is troublesome. I understand the meaning “op sec” and I’m not here asking for your fleet doctrines or what kind of hardware you’re bringing in, I’m wanting to get a clear cut answer as to what you’re here for the second time around. I thank you for inviting me here and allowing me talk, but I feel as if you don’t want answer the question I’m presenting to you directly.”

[Kalaratiri]
“My apologies, I’m not intending to be unreasonably vague. My intentions in Thebeka are… I suppose you could say “pleasure, not business”. I’m here to test myself and others, to keep things interesting .”

[Kalto]
"So is this no longer about Thebeka III and the ongoing conflict planetside? Or would you still have interest in it? A preferred outcome for example."

[Kalaratiri]
“I’ve never taken one side or another in the conflict on the ground. But no, this is not about Thebeka III.”

[Kalto]
“Very well then, I’ll leave it at that. To change gears, can I ask about the crew on this citadel? Are workers here locals to Thebeka or Amarrian space like the personnel aboard your previous freeports?”

[Kalaratiri]
“I honestly haven’t really checked. I expect most of them are locals to the system and Empire, maybe the couple of systems around Thebeka at the furthest. I left crew hiring to my own employees.”

[Kalto]
"But can you confirm for us that some of the staff aboard your citadel are military personnel? I.E Mercenaries? Or is it entirely composed of civilian level staff - and a security detachment."

[Kalaratiri]
“I honestly don’t know. Probably some sort of security? There’s no military under my direct employment at least.”

[Kalto]
“Very well then, I’ll leave it at that - Now I have one final question for you to wrap this up, and forgive me if this one ends up being a dud - But what does the name @Alar_Chakaid mean to you? Sa-Baron of Zirsem V and prominent figure of controversy during the Kahah III incident. Ground zero for what would be the chain reaction that is Thebeka III and the other massive revolts going on in Amarrian Borders - And during a previous interview I had the pleasure of having with Elsebeth Rhiannon, she pointed out that this was a Khanid Lord trying to step out of Amarrian influences in the Kingdom. What are your thoughts of this individual? Is this man just a pissant trying to out shitpost immortal demigods on a message board, or would you say there’s something larger in play here?"

[Kalaratiri]
“Chakaid is an interesting man. Anyone willing to directly insult Capsuleers on their own turf is either extremely stupid or supremely confident. Whether he is backed up by the Kingdom, the Empire, or some other player, he certainly seems confident in his own position and his backer’s ability to protect him. This alone makes him worth watching in my opinion.”

[Kalto]
“An intriguing remark…I thank you for having me Kalaratiri, it was an honor to speak to you - In fact, I’d like to personally thank you for this promotion. If you never anchored those two freeports and gave the Zaibatsu to come out here - I’d wouldn’t be covering this Thebeka story. Enough about me though, before we go I wanna open the floor to you for one final remark, anything you feel worth commenting on that we didn’t cover, or if you have any message to the wider public…either being encouraging or intimidating. You also have the option to opt out of this final moment if you prefer.”

[Kalaratiri]
“I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone who’s made a showing in Thebeka so far, and to encourage anyone watching to jump in as well. It really is the season’s hottest location.”

[Kalto]
“I still doubt this system being a vacation spot, but that works, thank you. And thank you once again for speaking with me. I uh…Wish you luck out there…I guess. Thank you.”

Lord Admiral of the Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris (PIE), Gaven Lok’ri was the person of interest ZANIE had in mind to get some insight of the Amarrian side of the affairs. The Lord Admiral is a fiercely devoted loyalist to the Amarrian Throne who’s been an essential component of the war effort for Amarrian Capsuleers in the system. Lord Lok’ri is also a seasoned veteran in the league of Capsuleers, who’s career stretches back to YC 106 and has served the Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris for his entire career up to the present day.

Kalto Moxin was given access to the recently anchored Astrahus-class citadel, Arx Adolis, were he was granted an audience with the Lord Admiral.

We go now to a transcript of their conversation

[Kalto]
“Today I am aboard the Arx Adolis, a Astrahus-class citadel owned by the Praetoria Imperialis Excubitoris…Or PIE for short…Sitting across from me is the Lord Admiral of PIE, Gaven Lok’ri. Gaven, erm…Lord admiral eh… Apologies my lord, forgive my ignorance, but what would you prefer I address you as?”

[Gaven]
“Lord Lok’ri is entirely acceptable. We have only just met, after all, so certainly do not know each-other well enough for informality.”

[Kalto]
“Right, apologies then Lord Lok’ri…I like to start off by asking about who you are - a Capsuleer devoted to the Amarr Empire, obviously. But what can you tell me about yourself aside from that?”

[Gaven]
“First, and foremost, I view myself as a lifelong servant of Amarr dedicated to the defense of the Amarr people. At this point, I have two major roles. The first of these is my role as Admiral of PIE and Co-Chapter Master of the Excubitoris Chapter of the Sacred Throne Order. I am quite proud of the work we have done to defend Amarr over the last 15 years. Second, I am a Holder with an estate and family on Oris. In this capacity, I am a vassal of the Emperor Family, with all the rights and obligations that come with the role.”

[Kalto]
“Well…I have to admit that you’re the most prestigious figure I’ve ever spoke with in my career, can’t say I’ve met someone with a resume like that before…But, flattery aside I do want to talk about your service with your alliance and how I find it impressive that you’re one of the early generation of independent Capsuleers and you’ve remained a part of PIE’s roster for your entire career up to this point…Having remained at the side of the Empire for so many years I’m willing to bet you’ve seen it all by now. Every blight that has had a negative effect on the Empire today is just a new version of a previous issue.”

[Gaven]
“Certainly. And there is a value to having “seen it all,” as you say. With enough history and experience very little that happens is surprising. One example of this is that I believe I was the first to point out the similarity of the initial two terrorist attacks against Rens and against my wife’s estate on Oris with the Blood Raider attack on Mabnen in YC107, a parallel that is much more obvious now that these more recent attacks have spread to such an incredible scale. But being unsurprised by new threats is unfortunately not enough to contain them. The last decade has seen relentless attacks on the Faith and on the Amarr People, and I will openly admit that these are troubling times. Amarr is strong and will survive them, but all of the Faithful have a great deal of work to do if we are going to ever succeed in defeating the enemies outside of Amarr and controlling the enemies within it. The Excubitoris Chapter of the Sacred Throne Order is but a small force when measured against the enormity of the threats that Amarr faces, though fortunately we are not alone in that task, by any means.”

[Kalto]
“Mabnen though…I think I learned about that before I got into journalism. Blood raiders released Insorum into the atmosphere of Mabnen I, curing one of the largest slave populations in the Empire of their Vitoc dependency and giving them a chance to revolt…Reports were a little nightmarish I might add, but that became the start of a - no pun intended - bloodier conflict with the Blood Raiders as the Empire declared war on the cult and focused all their military efforts on eradicating their presence in The Bleak Lands. Even making the historic decision to officially collaborate with Independent Capsuleers to get the job done. The Amarr succeeded and refugees of the cult traded a large amount of assets to Band Of Brothers for a constellation in Delve…We’re talking about the same series of events, right?”

[Gaven]
“Yes. What your narrative here misses is that the Blooders didn’t just release Insorum in YC107. They released something that caused a population to go crazy over night. Insorum was part of the cocktail, but a Vitoxin cure alone would not have caused planetary revolt. The more recent deathglow+Insorum cocktail that has been used in the attacks of the last six months is clearly developed from the same premise. The main difference is the larger number of attacks this time around and the rather peculiar targeting priorities.”

[Kalto]
"Could you elaborate further on these peculiar targeting priorities you speak of?"

[Gaven]
“The first two minor attacks were against Rens and Oris. Those were clearly personally targeted attacks aimed at my family and Samira Kernher’s family. Those attacks both immediately followed an exchange in which Sa-Baron Chakaid threatened both Samira and myself with execution. The first planetary scale attack seems to have been aimed at Queen Zidarez of Khanid, who is known as a force for rooting out corruption among the Khanid. The most recent attack hit several planets, but notably one of them was the former home of Samira Kernher, echoing the first attack.”

[Kalto]
“You mentioned someone I wanted to ask you about, the Sa-Baron of Zirsem V and a rather controversial figure that first appeared on the Intergalactic Summit around the time of these strikes against your family, was highly relevant at the Kahah III rebellion, and seemingly has been a minor voice in the most recent outbreak of revolts. This man appears, and all these events follow. You’re a man who takes things seriously, I can see that, you don’t have the patience to talk conspiracy theories with a media rep of all people. But at very least, I want you to humor me for a moment Lord Lok’ri. Is this man’s sudden appearance in the Capsuleer community just a coincidence? Or do you have any suspicions about the Sa-Baron’s motives? Or to just ask you a less shady question, what does the name Alar Chakaid mean to you?”

[Gaven]
“Chakaid’s appearance is not sudden. He has been the active voice for Khanid since the Succession Trials several years back. In threads concerning those trials, he publicly and aggressively defended the selection of the open Blood Raider supporter Edeity as one of the Khanid potential champions. In the threads discussing that travesty of an heir selection, more than two years ago, Chakaid’s primary antagonists were Samira Kernher and myself. At the time I accused Chakaid of either being woefully incompetent or being a Blood Raider sympathizer himself, as one of the two was required for Edeity to have been selected. There is not sufficient evidence to link him personally to the terrorist attacks, but it is quite clear that they have focused on people Chakaid has long standing disagreements with in a way that cannot be random. It is certainly possible that someone wants it to seem like he is responsible. He is, at best, malicious, mendacious, and incompetent. His active attempts to make these terrorism induced uprisings into a political attack on House Ardishapur and on Amarr of Matari descent are a clear attack on the stability of Amarr.”

[Kalto]
“A previous interview I had the pleasure of having with the Capsuleer Elsebeth Rhiannon suggested that Alar is trying to weed out Amarrian influences in Khanid courts. Not to mention how Federal news outlets are suggesting the Amarr need to “reel in their vassal state”…What do you say to that? Again, you’re not someone to dabble in conspiracy theories, I get that - but is this all some publicity stunt work. Or would you say that he is indeed trying to stick it to the Empire in favor of the interests of the Kingdom?”

[Gaven]
“I would consider him more likely to be working against both Kingdom and Empire and in his own interests than to be directly working for either.”

[Kalto]
“Against the Kingdom? You’re implying he’s going rogue or is he simply manipulating current events for some gain?”

[Gaven]
“Well, let us look at his actions. 1. He actively recruited a known Blood Raider into the Holy Succession Trials. 2. Attacks linked to Blood Raiders happened to target his personal enemies. 3. He landed on Kahah and immediately starts bragging about the amount of carnage his paramilitary organization was causing, leading to the current state of tension between the Empire and Republic. 4. He releases a series of statements that blame the Ammatar and Ardishapur for attacks that there is no evidence whatsoever linking them to. So he has effectively created a internal political crisis in the Empire between Khanid and Ardishapur and an external crisis between Amarr and the Minmatar and Gallente. At the same time he has made the Khanid military look incompetent and brutal by his bragging about casualties at Kahah. None of this seems to be designed to serve Khanid well.”

[Kalto]
“I feel like this is a good segways into another topic I wanted to bring up. Armast Drakar, now I’m not behind the on the news behind this figure in particular - the man is an official heretic in the eyes of the Empire - but what I’m talking about is what got him this label in the first place. Hailing from the Mandate this Capsuleer came out condemning the Kahah III incident up to the point where he is piloting a freighter loaded with invasion assets with a fleet of Ushra’khan ships at his side…After the smoke clears of a botched operation he becomes a voice for independence, calling for other Ammatar to defect. Now I’m not here to ask if you support the man’s notion - I imagine you think it’s incredibly foolhardy already. What I want to know is if you think the negative sentiment this has left on people of the Mandate will become anything larger. Armast being declared a heretic undoubtedly dealt a blow to his rhetoric, but before that official decree you could see some - albeit small time- community figures in Mandate find merit in Armast call to action…What do you think?"

[Gaven]
“Armast could not have played more effectively into Chakaid’s hands if he was doing it on purpose. That said, between the formal decision to declare him a heretic and his defeat by PIE and LUMEN in Thebeka, I do not think he will have a lasting effect.”

[Kalto]
“Speaking of LUMEN, are you able to comment on them? I believe they first came to Thebeka to provide support planetside in a humanitarian capacity but eventually began aiding PIE in military options in space. Could you put to words their effect on the Thebeka situation?"

[Gaven]
“LUMEN have done a really impressive job rising to the occasion to defend the Empire from the groups that threaten our stability. I am proud to have fought beside them and am quite impressed by their efforts.”

[Kalto]

“Excellent, now you’re busy man and we’ve exchanged plenty of words already. So I’m gonna ask one final question before we wrap this up. In my conversation with Elsebeth we had a moment were we discussed the potential for these revolts to escalate into something more meaningful and have a larger impact on New Eden…However when I look at the Amarrian side of this conflict I can’t help but feel the Empire just wants this clamped down on and controlled for business to carry on as usual. Would you say that’s the best outcome from everything? Not just Thebeka and the other rebellions, but Kahah III also for that matter. Should something change in from these series of events?”

[Gaven]

“The Blood Raiders behind the attacks need to be found and eliminated and the foreign and domestic elements who have encouraged warfare on Amarr worlds need to be exposed and removed as threats. And since you mentioned her, people like Elsebeth need to start respecting the treaties signed between our nations rather than openly flaunting international law through acts of war committed on Amarr soil. Electus Matari may have the legal right to be in Amarr space, just as PIE has the legal right to declare war and remove them from that space, but they certainly do not have the legal right to land soldiers and weapons on an Amarr world and to abduct Imperial subjects. It is far past time for order to be restored and for people to get back to their lives of service to God and Amarr.”

[Kalto]
“I’ll leave it at that, as I said that was the final question…Though I suppose this counts as a question - Do you have any final remarks Lord Lok’ri? At the end of these interviews we wanna give guests a chance to just get one last remark in before we concludes these talks. You can talkabout something you we wish we brought up or you can put out a message to anyone reading this once our conversation goes live…The floor is yours my lord."

[Gaven]
“I believe we have covered most of the issues. On behalf of the Excubitoris Chapter, I would like to thank the many loyal Amarr who have stepped up to help in these troubling times. May God be with us all.”

[Kalto]
“Alright - Lord Lok’ri it was an honor to speak with you as well as meet you in person, and I wish you luck out there."

Base of operations established on the beaches of Z-1SE2

Nannaras X

January 15th YC 121

Personnel of Lucrative Excavations and the Myrskytuuli Regiment have established a base of operations on the beaches of Z-1SE2 to coordinate the cleanup efforts.

Z-1SE2 is the Zaibatsu’s newly-purchased landmass that was originally used as a cheap dumping ground by the Ishukone Corporation and other third parties on Nannaras X. Initially, the Zaibatsu sought out to purchase a different piece of land going by the serial number X-ZFA12 Stelmari Oksasio was left in charge of making this transaction happen, but unfortunately was unable to do so. Ultimately, he settled for Z-1SE2 that he might return to the Patriarch with something to show. This alternative - while vastly cheaper - is a disgusting junkyard of a swamp that could very well take a year to fully clean up. Under its past ownership, garbage would be airlifted over the island and dropped indiscriminately for quick and easy disposal. Lucrative Excavations is being handed the responsibility of spearheading the cleanup efforts,with a detachment of Myrskytuuli Regiment personnel as protection.

By now the, workers of Lucrative Excavations have cleared the waste off the eastern coast and established a foothold on the beaches. Temporary housing has been set up to house personnel, equipment, services and utilities. The first order of business for workers on Z-1SE2 is to make their way around the island, prioritising reclaiming the beaches so that more bases can be constructed to house more personnel. Myrskytuuli Regiment will be conducting scouting operations of the island for two purposes: firstly to map out a strict perimeter for workers to operate in, and secondly to track down any wildlife. It is claimed that prior to this island’s designation as a dumping ground, it was ensured that there was no native wildlife. The Regiment will be investigating Z-1SE2 more closely to test the legitimacy of that claim. As per policies put in play by the Ohrion Conglomerate, the Regiment is on a tight leash and will be closely supervised. Under no circumstances is any soldier of the Regiment to use lethal force on any wildlife on Nannaras X, although exception has been made for self defence, and the Conglomerate will be supplied with body-cam footage from any incident involving the death of a wild animal. Soldiers are equipped with tranquilizers as well as a lethal backup in the worst-case scenario. Unprovoked lethal action will not be taken lightly and all parties involved will be swiftly punished once proven guilty. This protection of wildlife however will take an more active role, as soldiers have been informed to tranquilize, and extract any lifeforms they encounter. The Regiment are also being authorized to destroy nests or dens for purposes of extracting eggs or cubs. These creatures will be stored in preservation housing until their native land is sanitized. Due to the current toxic nature of Z-1SE2, some of the captured animals could be subject to euthanization if their health is extremely poor if they suffer from any crippling mutation.

Recyclable materials will be properly sorted and processed, so that they can be stored for the Zaibatsu’s use. It is noted that this can be a tedious process that can make an already lengthy cleanup project go slower. There is a desire however to make the best of this card the Zaibatsu has been dealt. Unsalvageable materials will be stored and prepared to be loaded onto a ship in order to be jettisoned into the sun. Useful cargo will be loaded onto barges and transported back to Namiyo and sorted accordingly.

There has been a reported drop in morale from the workers of Lucrative Excavations after being handed this assignment. This is being taken into consideration and the comfort of the workers is a matter of importance: proper funding has been set aside to acquire full-body equipment to keep workers clean and comfortable when working for long hours, as well as temporary housing with air purification filters in the vents to mitigate the stink of the island when relaxing or sleeping. Workers will be granted three consecutive days off each week to return to Namiyo to rest at home with family members. Ohrion menders will also be on-site for medical care both mentally and physically when the need arises. Fresh rations and water will be ferried out to Z-1SE2 on the same barges used to collect the garbage (containment will be sanitized thoroughly) when more supplies are needed.

Lucrative Excavations has also been given authorization to utilize drone technology to aid in the cleanup effort, albeit in a limited capacity. Drones are extensively regulated in the Zaibatsu, forbidden at a civilian level and used sparsely among the CORE modules. The Myrskytuuli Regiment have openings to utilize unarmed drones for reconnaissance operations, but in space it’s a different mater, where policy does allow the use of combat drone. Lucrative Excavations’ drones are utilitarian in design: they have a extremely limited range of functions and programming that allow them to pick up and drop off items. Their primitive design is intentional, minimizing the chance of deviancy. Drones will be inspected and tracked regularly

Assualt case between Stelmari Oksasio and Monden Searbier under investigation - Contraband found in Monden’s Office

Nannaras X

January 17th YC 121

A high level investigation involving Stelmari Oksasio and Monden Searbier is underway after an altercation between the two behind closed doors turned violent.

Occurring just last night, Stelmari was spotted entering Monden Searbier’s personal office in the wing jointly occupied by Ohrion Conglomerate and Lucrative Excavations’ desk workers in the administration capital of Hoiyori. Having been two hours before curfew, the building was nearly empty with Janitors and security personnel being the only remaining humans in the building. Desk workers staying late to get caught up with work is nothing unheard of, especially for a leader of one of the Zaibatsu’s COR E modules, so Monden Searbier’s presence in his office at this hour was met with no suspicion. A Myrskytuuli Regiment security guard by the name of Timil Bevel remained close and patrolled the area in order to be nearby when it was time to inform Monden his time was up and had to leave the building.

Roughly 30 minutes before Monden’s time was up, Exchange President Stelmari Oksasio paid a visit - his presence in the building was only made known 5 minutes prior, after front door security radioed in that Stelmari was allowed inside to recover something he had left in his office. Timil noticed Stelmari from a distance, but was unable to stop him from entering Monden’s office. Timil immediately set up guard outside Monden’s door after Stelmari closed it. Timil’s plan was to keep an ear out and just step in to inform the two when their time was up instead of just barging in and creating a scene.

Timil listened in to a conversation that escalated over time, with it supposedly becoming one sided near the end with Stelmari loudly berating and Monden occasionally speaking up to respond. It all came to an end however as Timil heard a loud bang and Monden shouting in pain - Timil intervened and found Stelmari standing over Monden Searbier, who was on the ground grabbing at the back of his head in agony. Stelmari turned and put his hands up and stepped out of the way for Timil to examine Monden’s condition; on further inspection he found Monden was bleeding from the back of his head. Backup was called in, firstly to detain Stelmari and secondly to transport Monden Searbier to an Ohrion Medical facility for examination. The Peacekeeper division were immediately made aware of the situation and have taken charge of investigating it further. Investigators spent the early morning examining the office for evidence of what happened, and have pieced together a plausible theory; their heated discussion ended with Stelmari shoving Monden, pushing him to the ground and banging his head on a hard kresh-wood dresser on the way down.

At a glance this case looks to be Stelmari simply stirring trouble, but, as Investigators have learnt while examining Monden’s office, there’s damning evidence to suggest Stelmari did this in self defense. On Monden’s desk was found an open bottle of scotch and partially full shot glass, and Monden’s physicians can confirm he was under the influence and heavily intoxicated. Peacekeepers handling the investigation have prohibited ZANIE from reaching out to either Stelmari or Monden for a comment while the investigation is still ongoing. ZANIE can comment however that Stelmari Oksasio and Monden Searbier have had a rocky relationship since the day they started working for the Zaibatsu, with neither one ever able to agree on subjects or co-exist in the same conversation without issue. This failure to work together has created its own problems previously, but now that the two are the main parties in an assault case their animosity towards one another needs to be severely put in check.

However, regardless of how this investigation turns out, Monden Searbier has a whole different problem to worry about, due to having a bottle of scotch in his personal office. To unaware readers: alcoholic beverages reside in a legal gray area to the Ohrion board of Health and Wellbeing as they’ve determined alcohol to a be substance that can be damaging both mentally and physically, but understand that when properly moderated alcohol can be a pleasant experience and enhance social encounters. As such it is legal to obtain alcoholic products to drink in the Zaibatsu, but only within the confines of a restaurant or other public building that has authorization to distribute the goods. Under no circumstances is alcohol to be taken out of these buildings and certainly never to be stored in one’s home or personal space (such as an office). Monden Searbier is an individual that has struggled with alcohol abuse long before being brought into the Zaibatsu. He is believed to have started as a means to cope with personal and financial issues with Lucrative Excavations, but even when he has been brought into a brighter future within the Raata Zaibatsu - he has continued to feed his addiction. While only one bottle has been found in Monden’s possession, investigators have been given authorization to search his entire office and personal quarters for any additional contraband.

In regards to the first matter between Stelmari and Monden Searbier, the profile of this case is considerable as the status of the two parties involved is as high can be. Once the investigation concludes, all material will be handed up to the Patriarch for him to make a call on how to best handle the situation.

Due to a ban on implants, a virus like this poses no threat to the Zaibatsu’s population. However, it is a turn of events in New Eden that is intriguing. While the Zaibatsu is unable to involve itself physically, ZANIE’s external news team headed by Kalto Moxin has been sent to Semiki to get a perspective on the situation there. The official investigation is being handled by Ishukone Watch and information is being kept in house for the most part, so ZANIE is unable to even come close to getting in contact with them. Several Caldari aligned organizations made up of Capsuleers have deployed to Semiki to aid in repairs and the ongoing investigation. While they’re cooperating with officials, the Capsuleers are far more open about what’s happening on their end. While a NDA (non-disclosure agreement) is in play here between several parties, they are revealing a bit of their operations.

As previously mentioned, I-RED and HECON were the first two representing forces of Caldari Capsuleers to report to the scene of the disaster, and to supply additional personnel to reinforce Ishukone Watch’s lockdown of the station. Aside from muscle, both sides have brought in their own specialists to provide more critical support to the investigation and medical efforts should they be needed. All personnel have been handed over to the Ishukone Watch to utilize as they see fit. Details of where Capsuleer supplied personnel are operating remains classified by the NDA pact formed between I-RED and HECON, and any organizations that wish to work closer by adding their support. This NDA is deemed necessary to avoid leaking of sensitive information that could worsen a political bombshell, should one drop, as the saboteur behind the containment facility attack has potential ties to the Lai-Dai Corporation. I-RED’s official stance on the matter is to keep an open mind and not feed into any suspicions while the facts are still unknown, hence the NDA to prevent any leaks or false information from their end. Breaches of this agreement are to be brought up in Caldari courts for punishment to be handed out.

The representing pilot of I-RED’s Oniseki-Raata Internal Watch is a Capsuleer by the name of Shiran Mazaki, who is directly responsible for I-RED’s detachment of personnel. Due to how closely Internal Watch personnel are working with the Ishukone Watch investigation there is little to no information ZANIE can report. Representing HECON in Semiki however is Commander Edward Adams, who has brought additional security personnel and medical corps; specialists to help render aid to those afflicted by the implant targeting malware that’s being linked to the containment sabotage. Commander Adams fulfills another role in the relief efforts, as a middleman to facilitate Capsuleer aid to the Aliastra employees suffering from the malware outbreak. He has made in his announcement an invitation to organizations affiliated with the Federation or in the good graces of Aliastra to lend additional support - a matter we will examine further later on.

Kalto Moxin directly asked Commander Adams exactly how he confident he was in being able to ensure coordination between Federal and State groups. This was his response:

"I am confident that both Federal and State groups can put aside historical differences and co-operate together on this matter to ensure that all parties have an outcome that is satisfactory to them."

Edward Adams ((Mantelglobalindustires))

I-RED and HECON have anchored an Astrahus-class citadel in proximity of the biohazard containment facility, to house all the supplies and personnel they’ve brought and avoid forcing a bunch of new equipment and staff onto Ishukone Watch. The citadel, going by the name “Conglomerate Observation point”, was supplied by HECON but protected by pilots of I-RED. The doctrines and number of pilots deployed to Sakimi is classified and not for ZANIE to report on.

The duo of I-RED and HECON is a strong partnership to represent Caldari Capsuleer interest in the debacle, due to I-RED’s long standing and extremely close relationship with Zainou’s parent corporation - Ishukone. HECON on the other hand may not have any strong connection to one of the eight mega-corporations that make up the State, but have served the Caldari Militia for an extensive amount of time and proudly represent the Caldari in the warzones of the regions of Black Rise and Placid.

Itsukame-Zainou Hyperspatial Inquiries Ltd and Phoenix Naval Systems

Also present in the Semiki system to aid the Caldari in their time in need areItsukame-Zainou Hyperspatial Inquiries [IKAME] and Phoenix Naval Systems [PNS]. These two groups are operating in the system independently from one another, and independently from the I-RED/HECON pact.

It should be stressed that while IKAME is the mother corporation of the famous Arataka Research Consortium [ARC], IKAME is not representing ARC in this matter. The Arataka Research Consortiumis a loose banner that lives beyond the membership of a corporation or alliance, it is a network of independent pilots with a shared interest in the current day mysteries that occasionally appear in New Eden. These independents may sometimes hail from questionable backgrounds, but with IKAME involving itself only as IKAME in Semiki, the lead representatives of this organization are individuals with genuine ties to the Caldari State. Accompanying IKAME are researchers specializing in cybernetics and cybersecurity as well as their own detachment of security personnel. Similarly to I-RED and HECON, command of these staff members has been handed over to the Ishukone Watch, should they be required. For housing, IKAME have anchored their own citadel named “Zainou Investigation Liaison ctr” in proximity to the biohazard station. Here all staff and equipment brought to the system will be stored; the citadel is free for any capsuleers to dock inside, with all incoming ships being scanned and confirmed to not be carrying the virus before docking.

To close off IKAME’s section, Kalto Moxin managed to get a quote from Makoto Priano when she was asked if she had a possible theory pertaining to the virus.

“At present, it’s too early to tell. The likelihood that this malware is the same as one deployed a decade ago seems vanishingly small, given advances in cybernetics and cybersecurity. At the same time, new techniques could easily give rise to similar effects. Until we have a better understanding of its method of action, transmission vectors, and intended targets, then I hesitate to theorize.”

Moving onto PNS, ZANIE’s Kalto Moxin managed to get in touch with the Head Diplomat of the corporation, Literia Khammael, who revealed to us more details of PNS’ involvement in the system.

Im similar fashion to other groups, Phoenix Naval Systems have erected an Astrahus of their own in vicinity to the Zainou station - to house their own IT and security personnel that they brought to hand over to Ishukone Watch’s control. Phoenix Naval Systems is a Caldari aligned outfit and one of the founding corporations of the Arataka Research Consortium. That said, PNS and IKAME are operating independently, albeit with close ties. PNS’s presence is also a unique one due to their extensive combat history and sporting a roster of competent Capsuleers that are slowly deploying one by one to the Semiki system. PNS stands as arguably one of the most lethal outfits on grid in Semiki - based on ZANIE’s honest opinion.

When asked directly if other Caldari aligned groups can expect assistance from PNS should they run into unexpected hostilies - Literia had this to say.

“Alliances, corps and pilots are always welcome to contact us with the regards to arrangements for contract work. They can contact myself or Naava Edios to begin negotiations.”

Literia Khammael

IKAME is a well respected science firm that has contributed greatly not just to the Caldari State, but to the entiterity of New Eden, and PNS certainly has done their fair share as well; being formidable combat experts in ARC’s operations. The situation in Semiki can only benefit from these two groups getting involved

Devara Biotech, Antumbra and Intaki Liberation Front

The Caldari are not the only ones affected by this disaster, the unknown virus attacking implants has infected the implants of multiple staff members of the Aliastra Warehouse in system after a shuttle carrying the virus departed from the Biohazard facility to the warehouse.

Due to an open invitation extended by HECON’s Commander Edward Adams, several organizations with ties to the Federation or the Aliastra corporation have stepped forward to add their support and aid in the efforts.

First to answer the call for Aliastra is Devera Biotech owned by Capsuleer Mizhir Devara who has since been confirmed to have made contact with the I-RED/HECON bloc and agreed to the NDA that binds the cooperative together. In her employ are medical experts who are experienced in treating symptoms similar to those displayed by the cyber virus. Stationed aboard the I-RED/HECON citadel, medical facilities are ready to house afflicted personnel and render medical and cybernetic aid to them. First in the form of attempting to wipe their cranial implants of traces of the virus. If removal of the virus proves to be out of the grasp of experts or just outright impossible, surgery to remove and replace the compromised implants is the next course of action. There are however some staff possessing implants that are incapable of being removed without undergoing a high-risk operation that can lead to severe brain damage. Otherwise, if patients deny implant removal in any scenario, Devera Biotech tech will continuously attempt to contain and destroy the virus. These specialists handling implant care are also making contributions to the investigation, details however are limited due to the NDA agreement.

Another organization that calls the Federation home is a humanitarian group by the name of Antumbra, led by Capsuleer Olga Drottning, who announced their support on the Intergalactic Summit in the same thread as IKAME’s announcement. This announcement reveals that pilot Olga has already spoken with Makoto Priano about cooperating due to a shared interest in investigating and containing the crisis. Antumbra brings some luggage in the form of a Raitaru-class Citadel fitted with cryptanalysis facilities utilizing the ample amounts of power the citadel brings for efficiency. These facilities are open for the public to use which brings us to the next point; Olga Drottning’s comments that Antumbra would be happy to escort any interested volunteers wishing to help in Semiki though the few low security systems one must transverse to reach the system. It should be noted despite announcing support of IKAME, Antumbra is reaching out to also coordinate with the I-RED/HECON bloc.

Hardly representing the Federation, but having strong ties with the Aliastra corporation is Bataav of the Intaki Liberation Front, who had announced he would be cooperating with IKAME in the investigation. That said, pilots of ILF are free to associate themselves with any bloc they desire. Bataav sided with IKAME due to a shared history of cooperation between IKAME and the ILF during the Kyonoke Inquest approximately two years ago. Bataav’s announcement however did not go smoothly; the ILF has also had strong ties to I-RED, who have been a beneficiary to the Intaki people for years. Bataav’s announcement to support IKAME over I-RED left Intaki living aboard I-RED structures feeling betrayed, and they have made their feelings known though protest. It’s safe to say that Bataav will be slightly tied up before being able to contribute much. In the meantime however, a small office Depot has anchored above IKAME’s citadel to store their initial assets.

It is not hard to verify that the soldiers who get into citadel weren’t “dumped” in there and they weren’t even present in “Cargo dropbox” as was proclaimed by the “reporter”. The method of delivery of soldiers will remain, obviously, classified until the soldiers will be evacuated and/or the citadel dismantled. For now, any real competent investigator could check the camera feeds or follow traces and evidences of military presense in that dropbox to see that these soldiers never passed through it, but got inside through a different route.

Interview: Korsavius

Semiki - Conglomerate Observation post

January 30th YC 121

The situation in Semiki is escalating, damage is continuing to spread as this malicious malware runs rampant with no obvious solution at any party’s disposal. Details have been released to the public by official Caldari State authorities that only raises more questions, the malware in question of this attack is an unknown mutation of a infectious Rogue Drone subroutine. In response, Capsuleers desiring to provide aid have gathered and stockpiled rogue drone components as per request of Ishukone Watch’s Officer Kauntora Itkaku. Along with Triglavian datastream vaults found exclusively in Abyssal deadspace pockets across New Eden.

Curious, ZANIE’s external team have decided to dig in deeper to the Semiki story and get some one-on-one time with some of the prominent Capsuleer organizations operating in the area. Kalto Moxin of the external news team has first sought out a representative of the Capsuleer alliance I-RED, a Capsuleer Alliance and subsidiary of the Ishukone Corporation. The representative Kalto would gain the honor of speaking with is Chujo Korbin Lavius of the Revenant Defence Corporation. Better known by his DED callsign “Korsavius”, Korbin Lavius is a Capsuleer that has served the Ishukone Corporation for multiple years and knowledgeable about the way of life in the domain of the Ishukone Corporation. As well as a combat pilot present in the Semiki system should the need arise.

We go now to a transcript between Kalto Moxin and Korbin Lavius aboard the jointly owned HECON/I-RED citadel in system.

[Kalto]
“Today - Aboard the Astrahus-citadel jointly owned by the Heiian Conglomerate and the Ishuk-Raata Enforcement Directive in the Semiki system, i have the honor of sitting across from the Revenant Defence Corporation’s Vice Admiral, Korbin Lavius. - thank you for having me, but before we begin mind if you tell me what you prefer i address you as? I’m aware some parties might know you better by a callsign?”

[Korsavius]
“Chujo Lavius is what most of my colleagues refer to me as in formal communications. Welcome aboard the facility, I hope you’ve found accommodations thus far acceptable aboard the structure.”

[Kalto]
“Well it exactly a 5-star Hotel, but this citadel ain’t here to house tourists… Semiki - A dead end system apart of a extremely small network of hi-security systems cut off from the mainland…Probably for the best as this system houses a unique station, the Biohazard containment facility owned by the Zainou Bitotech company. A sabutour of unknown motive compromises containment and a mysterious piece of malware appears…Matters you all up to date with of course, but rehashing to ask the questions if you think this is just another attack or something that warrants more concern. Now forgive me if I’m assuming i know what you’re gonna say, but of course a response to that question would be “Any attack against the State is worth concern” but this aint an attack with guns and a fleet - this is an attack fought with megabytes and malware.”

[Korsavius]
I will reiterate what Ikomari-Onu Enforcement’s Hageken Ku stated in an article put forth by the Scope - an attack like this likely required some significant entity or an entity with significant resources. Or perhaps both. Regardless, I-RED in particular sprung into action immediately due to being a capsuleer subsidiary of the Ishukone Corporation. When our parent corporation or its subsidiaries come under distress, we are there to answer the call to duty.

[Kalto]
“That doesn’t answer my question exactly…See as i said, this an attack on the Caldari State - or more specifically I-RED’s parent corporation in this case. Nobody is surprised that I-RED is here…That’s not even an insult, it’s just expected. You’re a credible organization loyal to the Ishukone Corporation, you’re gonna be there for them - that’s obvious. And based off this theory that this ain’t some disgruntled ex-employee exacting revenge by himself but rather a pawn moved a spawn forward on the behalf of some bigger player…Now i know I-RED’s policy already, you’re not about to start naming any mega-corporation as a potential culprit so we ain’t getting into that. And really that only leaves you naming the Guristas or some other criminal organization…But again, that doesn’t answer my question. My question is should there be more concern? Because the State’s well trained Navy and army were not even touched in this attack… The Caldari State just got hit where it hurts, in its technology. A sensitive facility such as this biohazard containment station undoubtedly ain’t slouching on its hardware - and some key systems got ruined by whatever malware this saboteur was packing. Now i ask again, do you think this should be a larger concern to not just the State, but to the rest of New Eden?”

[Korsavius]
You’ll have to forgive me for misinterpreting what your question was initially. I believe the ramifications of an attack like this could potentially be of concern to many people across New Eden. As it stands, however, it is of immediate concern to Zainou, Aliastra, and Ishukone first and foremost. Any information to be gained from the ongoing investigation can then be released to the public as deemed necessary by the aforementioned parties.

[Kalto]
“Right…Speaking of the tight lid on details of this whole case, i wanna talk about this “NDA” pact I-RED, HECON nad friends are adhering to. Would say this NDA policy is working in favor of I-RED or against it? I get you’re here to do a job, not rub up to the press. But when it comes to IKAME’s involvement in Semiki, the NDA was rather straining on public relations no? Allow me to be honest with you Chujo Lavius, when coordinating with my team we kept referring to I-RED and HECON as the “NDA bloc” given how this agreement was required if any group wanted to cooperate closer with I-RED and HECON in the matter. Where IKAME rolls in with NDA requirement and gathers their own support with no problems…At the end of the day everyone is trying help the same people, what I’m trying to understand as to why there is a schism in helping these people."

[Korsavius]
“Whether or not it’s working in favor of or not really depends on your perspective of things. Our teams have access to plenty of resources as it is and are doing their jobs just fine. However, admittedly, it would probably be of benefit if we had additional resources and knowledge on hand. In terms of the relationship between IKAME and I-RED, obviously the NDA was an issue which put some strain on our otherwise positive relationship. Unfortunately this revolves around a difference in perspective on things. We answer to Ishukone first; the public may me informed on matters if and when Ishukone officials deem it appropriate. IKAME, by nature and due to their line of work, answer to the public. Under normal circumstances we applaud them for their effort to neutrality and transparency. However, when it comes to matters such as dealing with the safety and security of citizens under the umbrella of Ishukone, we simply cannot agree with handling things in such a way. Hence the “schism” as you so call it.”

[Kalto]
“What exactly is I-RED’s relationship with IKAME aside from both organizations being in the service of the Caldari State? At least two occasions has there been some tensions on the IGS and at least one were I-RED’s diplomatic rep Julianna had to step in to put a stop to it…Let’s also not forget that a one Bataav of the ILF makes an announcement that he personnelly would be cooperating closer with IKAME over I-RED and next thing we know we got a article out of I-RED’s news outlet reporting of protesting aboard one of your refineries in the Syndicate regions with residents declaring this man a traitor - even after stating that other pilots of ILF were free to work with either Bloc of the semiki crisis…So you could say everything is nice and dandy between I-RED and IKAME, but I ain’t seeing it.”

[Korsavius]
“I-RED and IKAME have been in positive standings for a variety of reasons, but it can be boiled down to both groups being ultimately affiliated to Ishukone - albeit indirectly in IKAME’s case. As for the instance where Miss Avala stepped in, well…let us just say my colleagues over at Oniseki-Raata Internal Watch aren’t exactly known for their cool tempers. Still, they are capable and loyal soldiers, and they are performing their current assignments well enough. And for the protests that took place aboard the Tash-Murkon Refinery, I believe the article stated a possible psychological reason as to why those individuals did what they did. To summarize what was said, those Intaki are intimately aware of the long-standing friendship between I-RED and IPI. Suresha Bataav’s decision was thus interpreted as a betrayal to that friendship, and those disgruntled Intaki chose to exercise their privilege of free speech and peaceful protest. Humans are complex creatures, and there are bound to be a spectrum of emotions involved in such a situation, as well as a varying degree of intensity of those emotions.”

[Kalto]
“I’ll leave it at that then…Let’s talk about Aliastra and how they got caught up in the collateral damage of this attack. Can you offer any insight on what the plan might’ve been? COmputer systems get destroyed and this malware stowing away on a shuttle transferring staff to the nearby Aliastra Warehouse - Docks up, shuttle connects to the network and this malware awakens and starts wrecking havoc for any implanted staff members. What would you say this? Accidental? Intentional to cause more damage? Or A distraction to throw investigators off the scent?”

[Korsavius]
“It is overall a very strange and unusual situation, and at this stage it is difficult to say for certain what the plan was behind the overall attack. It is interesting that the adaptive virus affected station systems aboard the Zainou facility, but then transferred to implant technology aboard the Aliastra station. Two small teams, an IT and an engineering team, were permitted by Ishukone to dock aboard the Zainou station and given access to the station management systems. I cannot say much on the results of their investigation into the station virus, but I can say they are baffled by the malware which has been causing havoc with different station services controlled by the central station information management system. The malware appears very difficult to detect before it flares up and interferes with a particular service. It seems as though systems integrated with the central management system are the ones that appear affected - things like maglev trains, public buses, shuttles, gravity generators, and more. As a precautionary measure, the I-RED teams have submitted a recommendation to terminate connections with the central management system to observe if the malware has integrated itself thoroughly with just the central management system, or if it has also permanently entrenched itself aboard all systems connected to the network. Meanwhile, aboard the HECON Astrahus, Dr. Mayaseki and his team of cybernetics experts are hard at work conjuring a solution for the cerebral cybernetic bug which has been plaguing Aliastra employees. I cannot comment on the nature of their work thus far, only that multiple avenues are being explored to cure affected individuals.”

[Kalto]
What About Devara Biotech? Are you able to comment on their contributions thus far? The company owner Mizhir made an IGS announcement regarding her company agreeing to the NDA and cooperating with I-RED and HECON in the matter to provide aid to the affected Aliastra employees. What can you say about their involvement?

[Korsavius]
Devara Biotech has been of considerable help thus far. Dr. Devara has been very communicative with Dr. Mayaseki and his team, and her insights into biotechnology have helped push along development for a solution to the maladaptive cybernetic bug afflicting Aliastra employees.

[Kalto]
"I take it the subject of your development thus far is classified?"

[Korsavius]
“I-RED and our allies will publish our findings at an appropriate time, yes”

[Kalto]
“Speaking of allies, are you able to comment on Commander Edward Adams of HECON? From my understanding the Commander is serving a unique function of being a middle man negotiator between Federal and Caldari contacts in this crisis. Have all talks with Federal parties gone smoothly without any conflicting interests?"

[Korsavius]
“I don’t wish to speak too much for Commander Adams and his work, but yes he has split his teams in different operating taskforces to accomplish multiple things at once. One of those groups is responsible for functioning as a liaison between Federal and Caldari contacts. I do not believe I am at liberty to discuss the talks which have occurred between Federal contacts such as Aliastra and Commander Adam’s team.”

[Kalto]
“Alright then Chujo Lavius, good enough answer as any. Now i do believe we’re running out of time and you got more pressing matters to attend to . So i got one final questions before we move onto final remarks…A very disturbing development with the investigation was released to the public detailing that the malware causing havoc right now is a mutation of a Rogue Drone subroutine…Authorities request drone samples in the form of AI chips, parts and Triglavian datastreams. Capsuleers answer the call. Donate their materials to their respective bloc of assisting organizations. IKAME however came under fire by CONCORD however for amassing a stockpile that exceeds regulations and CONCORD rep Oveg Drust announces on the IGS that IKAME hand over all materials with a small grace period to do so…Might i ask how I-RED sees this? IS CONCORD in the right to confiscate all these materials that Capsuleers have invested time or ISK into to obtain? Or would you stand by IKAME if they decide to defy this request so that the authorities investigating this crime can have all the material they need to get to the bottom of this?”

[Korsavius]
I-RED has always attempted to comply with CONCORD directives. As such, as stated already by head diplomat Julianni Avala, we believe firmly that IKAME should obey the order provided by Oveg Drust. Whether or not it is "right" for CONCORD to act in such a way is irrelevant and subjective - they stand as the ultimate enforcer of order and law within New Eden. I-RED cannot condone an action performed by IKAME that would be counterproductive to a direct order from the highest interstellar authority. Once again, we encourage IKAME to surrender the aforementioned materials, and function in a manner befitting an organization loyal to Ishukone and the State. I-RED has already begun the process of surrendering over our collection of materials to Commander Drust.

[Kalto]
“Fair enough, as i said that will be our final questions. But before we go our separate ways i want to open the floor to you for final remarks. If you feel like there’s something you want to talk about or get out there to the public…Now’s the chance. Hell if you want to put the saboteur responsible for all this on blast we can work with that…Thought i doubt you’d go that far so…Yeah just say whatever is on your mind to close these talks. OR hey, if you don’t got anything then that’s fine.”

[Korsavius]
I do not have any closing remarks I wish to say. Thank you for stopping by.

[Kalto]
"Alright, Chujo Lavius, it was a pleasure speaking with you. Good luck out there."

Nannaras X

Feburary 1st YC 121

January finally comes to an end, the first month of YC 121 is now behind us as we step forward into February. As usual, the leaders of the CORE modules gathered once more in the Administration Capital of Hoiyori for the monthly council meeting.

However, there was an absentee for this meeting - Monden Searbier, CEO of Lucrative Excavations. In his place was his son and previous CFO of Lucrative Excavations, Akels Searbier - who is, as of right now, the newly appointed CEO of Lucrative Excavations as per order of the Patriarch.

The transcript ZANIE has received of the talks starts off immediately addressing the elephant in the room, with the Patriarch announcing what has become of Monden Searbier. We go now to the Patriarch’s statement.

“My entrusted council…It is with a foul taste that I announce to you all that Monden Searbier will not be joining us. Monden’s vices have officially gotten out of control, the discovery of contraband in his office has made me realize that. For far too long I’ve placed trust and responsibility in a man that has no discipline or self control, who’s caught up in his own self pity and hopes of grandeur. As such, as Patriarch and owner of Lucrative Excavations - I have forced Monden Searbier to step down as CEO and hand control over to his son, the current CFO, Akels Searbier… temporarily. Akels is inexperienced, and not ideally suitable for this position just yet. I do intend for Monden to regain control, after the Ohrions have finished rehabilitating him. Matron, if you will…”

Patriarch Huan Yaken

The Patriarch then hands the floor off to the Matron of the Ohrion Conglomerate, Tuilina Malioka, who followed up with information on Monden’s whereabouts.

“CORE council, after physicians of the Conglomerate have done a full examination of Monden’s health, we have determined Monden’s mental and physical health is rapidly deteriorating. To preserve his dignity I will not go into details, but his condition is salvageable and in no way immediately life threatening, so long as some drastic lifestyle changes are made. As such, Monden Searbier has been flagged for mandatory care by the Ohrion Conglomerate. He will be placed in a rehabilitation center and will receive our assistance in turning his life around. We will manage his diet, regularly evaluate his progress, help him overcome his dependency on alcohol and ensure that when he is finally ready to take back control of Lucrative Excavations, he will be a new man.”

Tuilina Malioka

Two weeks ago, ZANIE put out an article detailing an assault case that was previously under investigation involving Exchange President Stelmari Oksasio, and Monden Searbier. The crime scene was Monden’s office in the Administration Capital in the late hours of the evening. Stelmari entered Monden’s office and the two shared a heated conversation that turned physical and prompted security to rush in and check on the situation. What security found was Monden Searbier on the ground gripping the back of his head with Stelmari standing over him - but also a bottle of alcohol on Monden’s desk, an illegal substance to have in private quarters or rooms as per decree of the Ohrion’s board of Health and Wellbeing. Monden’s abuse of alcohol has always been the first thing critics would point out about his character, for a while it has been tolerated but the discovery of Monden illegally storing alcohol in his private office is the final straw.

“Mandatory care” is a status the Ohrion Conglomerate has the power to issue to any worker or colonist of the Zaibatsu. Mandatory care is called when the health of an individual Is in a critical state and drastic measures need to be taken to turn them around. Once an individual has been flagged for mandatory care, they will be handed off to the Ohrion Conglomerate and placed under their responsibility. While under Mandatory care, the flagged individual will forbidden to return to work unless cleared by Ohrion physicians prior. This means and absolute cut off of communications from anything or anyone related to their job, contact or visits from family members will of course be allowed, but given how Monden’s only family member in the Zaibatsu is his son and new CEO of Lucrative Excavations, there are some complications. It should also be noted that this is not the first time a member of the CORE council was placed under Mandatory care. Last December, Head Director of the Collaboration Studios Auljam Karvose was placed under mandatory care for a week and then some after neglecting to sleep, eat properly and cuasing self inflicted wounds.

However, there was still the matter of the assault case between Stelmari and Monden, something Chief Fabricator Viokoro Velan immediately brought up after the council was informed of Monden’s punishment. The Patriarch wasted no time in addressing this concern and revealed that, after a rather brief investigation, Monden Searbuer did not even lay a hand on Stelmari. Stelmari had lied about why he returned to the Capital administration complex late at night, entered Monden Searbier’s office unannounced and uninvited, berated him and finally pushed him to the ground and injured him (And as of reporting, Ohrion physicians can confirm Monden is suffering a co concussion as a result). As such, the Patriarch then declared that Stelmari Oksasio is to be monitored 24/7 by a security detail of the Myrskytuuli Regiment while on Zaibatsu property. Stelmari is no longer allowed to be in the same room as someone else without a Regiment troop in earshot - while some exceptions have been made to allow him privacy in his own quarters alone, this generosity can be repealed and his quarters and office will be routinely checked for any contraband of his own. Oddly enough, Stelmari Oksasio - who was present in the room of this meeting - seemingly took the news well and offered no argument. How long Stelmari will have a watchdog is undetermined, much like in Monden’s situation, it may be until they overcome their own problems.

Further regarding the future of Lucrative Excavations, outer world operations will be put on low maintenance to allow Akels times to adjust to his new position. The clean up of Z-1SE2 will continue at full efficiency and serve as the perfect “proving ground” for Akels to prove what he can make happen. On the subject of Z-1SE2, an official name is still in the making to do away with the land’s serial number. The land Hoiyori is built upon is named Namiyo, after a former house Matriarch. Hoiyori itself is the name of a former house Patriarch, and as such Z-1SE2 is planned to follow suit and be named after a Patriarch/Matriarch from House Yaken’s history. Of course with Z-1SE2 being a waste infested dumping ground, the Yakens have been hesitate to nominate an ancestor to receive the honors. Aside from that, the cleanup operation is moving smoothly with roughly 43% of the beaches fully cleaned of trash and occupied with more workers. The Mryskytuuli Regiment is still scouting deeper into the island for signs of life, this search has born no fruit as of yet but there still remains zones to be searched and chartered.

Interview: Akels Searbier on becoming CEO of Lucrative Excavations

Nannaras X

February 12th YC 121

Akels Searbier is the current and temporary CEO of Lucrative Excavations after the previous CEO, Monden Searbier was discovered to have been storing contraband in his office in the form of alcohol. Monden Searbier’s history with alcohol is extensive and abusive, to the point where he could be best described as a functioning alcoholic. The discovery of contraband was the final straw for the patience given to Monden Searbier and it was declared that drastic measures had to have been taken to both punish Monden for his illegal activities, but also help him with his problems. As such, the Ohrion Conglomerate have placed Monden Searbier under Mandatory Care for an uncertain amount of time to sober up and overcome his dependency on alcohol.

Lucrative Excavations however needed new leadership with Monden’s absence and there was no better choice for the job than his son, and CFO, Akels Searbier. ZANIE invited Akels down to the studio in Hoiyori to talk to him about the recent events and gain some insight on his relationship with his father.

We go now to the transcript

[Hoovand]
“Tonight, my guest if honor is the newly appointed CEO of Lucrative Excavations - Akels Searbier. Akels, it’s a pleasure to have you here, how are you feeling?”

[Akels]
“Well…Still processing everything, this all still just a sudden change in my life.”

[Akels]
“W-Well I haven’t inherited it yet, I’m only the CEO temporarily while my Dad receives help from the Ohrion Conglomerate. When he comes back, the control of Lucrative Excavations will be handed back to him.”

[Hoovand]
“Right, I apologize for jumping to that conclusion…Can you tell me about how you’re adjusting to your new role so far? Your new temporary role that is.”

[Akels]
“It’s…Different, certainly not the same as my time as CFO. Although in a strange way I feel as I’m understanding my Dad more now that I’m his shoes for once…Metaphorically that is, I’m not literally in his shoes.”

[Hoovand]
“I figured that much out…Could you elaborate further on what you mean in regards to understanding your father more?”

[Akels]
“Like, I’m handling all the problems that he dealt with on a daily basis now. As CFO I was contained in my own bubble inside the company, working with numbers and balancing the budgets, but now as the CEO I ain’t just responsible for finances and accounting team, but now I’m responsible for practically everything and the people that I have to delegate tasks to. Ontop of having to answer to the Patriarch. It’s all just…Intimidating, you know? At least for me, my Dad seemed to have handled it well…Erm well, n-not exactly.”

[Hoovand]
“I was about to say, your father Monden Searbier has commonly resorted to using alcoholic substances as a means to cope with the stress and pressure of his workload. A frequent visitor of multiple establishments here in Hoiyori that are licensed to distribute alcohol, were he would max out the drink limit patrons adhere to with each visit before turning in for the night. Skipping the fact that he stored contraband in his office, Peacekeepers also found a flask on Monden Searbier that he admitted to have carried around with him to have a drink whenever. Thus leading investigators to assume that this wasn’t the first time Monden had stored and consumed contraband. Now, the Peacekeeper Division has already cleared you of any suspicion in regards to having a hand in or any knowledge of Monden’s illegal activities, but were you aware of his abuse of alcohol prior to before mentioned activities being unearthed.”

[Akels]
“Well…I didn’t know it was this bad, right? I-I mean I did know - in a manner of speaking. I knew my Dad was a heavy drinker long before we came to the Zaibatsu. When the Capsuleers started taking over the planetary goods market, raw goods companies like Lucrative Excavations suffered, plenty of them even being bought out by Capsuleers for a singular unit of ISK. My Dad was determined to keep the company afloat and I guess he turned to drinking to cope with the stress and accumulating debts.“

[Hoovand]
“Any idea he was so attached to this company that he would take on all this stress to keep it afloat?”

[Akels]
“He wanted something to pass onto me and my sister. My Dad grew up in a poverty stricken area of our homeworld, his parents made ends meet though odd jobs here and there. He didn’t want us to grow up like he did and started Lucrative Excavations as way to make sure we had stable income, a nice house, food and clothing - our entire livelihood depended on this company. He refused to give an inch to the Capsuleers taking over the markets but…He gave in eventually, but we ended up here instead of some slum, so I’d say we got the better fate than most companies.”

[Hoovand]
“When did you start working for Lucrative Excavations as the CFO?”

[Akels]
“Sometime after Lucrative Excavations started having finance troubles. I’ve just graduated from school at this point and I’m in need of job, even more so when funds were getting tighter and tighter at home. There were no jobs I was qualified for that were open, most people had to start signing on with Capsuleer crews to get a high injection of income for high-risk, but I knew if I went that route and got killed in some horrific gate camp that would had pushed my Dad and Mom over the edge…But there was my answer, my Dad. I could go work for him, you know? I made good grades in school and I love working with numbers and solving math problems, so I figured I could get a desk job as an accountant. I was already helping mom with planning out budgets and getting tax work done, obviously that’s not the same as handling the finances of a debt riddled company. But it was something I was willing to put up with, because at the same time if I started working for my Dad I would be around him more for once.”

[Hoovand]
“Was he not around much?”

[Akels]
“No…When Lucrative Excavations was doing good and money was rolling in, he would always sets aside a week of a month to catch a shuttle ride back to our homeworld and spend that week with us. It was awesome when he was around, you know? We always went out and did things as a family, but only for a week before he was off again. It all felt temporary when I wanted something more permanent. When money started being a issue however, it become every other month, then every three months then…it stopped. Shuttle rates got expensive and Lucrative Excavations slowly became less and less lucrative…I just started to miss him, you know? Like I was disconnected to someone important in my life, and I saw going to work or him as way to reconnect.”

[Hoovand]
“But you started out as a normal desk worker before coming the CFO?”

[Akels]
“Actually, I became the CFO right then and there over the FTL call. Uncle Dor- I-I mean Dorret Brilte, the former CFO of Lucrative Excavations just…vanished. He told Monden he had to resign and he just fell off the face of the Cluster. My Dad was in a rough spot and despite my inexperience he offered me the position. Might just be nepotism, but in a way I felt like it was my Dad also yearning to reconnect and thus putting me closer to him on the ladder. I accepted.”

[Hoovand]
“So this isn’t the first time you’ve been given a position you were inexperienced for?”

[Akels]
“Guess not…Again, I was just good with numbers, so while it was difficult at first, I made due as the new CFO and got better the more effort I put in. Being the CEO is a whole new challenge, one I don’t want to fail at because I know how much this company means to my Dad and the trust placed in me by the Patriarch. While some off-world excavations are operating under low maintenance at the time so I can focus on Z-1SE2, I don’t want it to stay that way forever just because I’m filling the seat for now. I want to prove I can handle this.”

[Hoovand]
“Well said, now I believe we’re running out of time so I’m gonna ask you one last question, and forgive me if this is a inappropriate question, but are you happy here Akels? Do you ever miss your homeworld or wish to simply return to the Federation?”

[Akels]
“…I’m happy here l Hoovand. It’s…different, but in a way that’s what I like about it. Everything about this place and this world is exotic to me. I’m meeting so many different kinds of people and experiencing a culture that makes the one back home just seem bland. There’s some intrigue here and while I miss my homeworld for simply being a familiar stomping ground, I can’t help but feel as this is also my home. So to answer your question again, I’m happy here.”

[Hoovand]
“Very good, I’m happy to hear that…Now I thank you for your time and coming down here and giving me a chance to speak to you, do you have any final remarks to close us off? The floor is yours to say whatever.”

[Hoovand]
“I mean…My Dad is gonna have some way of looking at this interview, right? Not sure if people under Mandatory Care have access to the news but…Dad if you’re hearing me- or rather reading the transcript of this interview. I-I want you to know I’m rooting for, I don’t think of you any less for the mistakes you’ve made and know you can fight this battle and kick your habits. I need you to trust the Ohrions and believe that they can help you, I need you to be the hero I always saw you as one come out triumph in this trial of yours. I love you, Dad.”

[Hoovand]
“Very…Touching final words Akels.”

[Akels]
“It was cheesy wasn’t it? It sounded better in my head.”

[Hoovand]
“No-No, not at all, not to me at least. That was heartwarming. Now the, Akels Searbier, it was an honor to speak with you. I wish the best of luck in running Lucrative Excavations.”

As a member of a community of monastic martial artists, there is much commonality we share in the discipline and approach to mastery which to our inner circle is the path to ascendancy, to become, the path of the Savant. Now, you are of course a vile heathen not even a heretic and only good for purposes of collection of donations to the great work, but it is of fleeting interest to observe our commonalities.

Suha Raibuya questions the integrity of laws and sympathizes with Guristas during spiritual sermon

Nannaras X

February 19th YC 121

In Hoiyori, controversy is surrounding the Windchime guru Suha Raibuya after she made some questionable remarks during a recent sermon of hers.

These sermons typically involve Suha speaking on the teachings of Windchime Wayism and providing spiritual enlightenment to attendees, this time around however she challenges the legitimacy of “Man-made laws” in New Eden and expressed openly in front of 300+ attendees a sympathetic view of the Guristas and their plight.

We go now to the first quote for context.

“-There is a startling difference between laws of nature and laws of society. The laws of nature are undeniable, they’re the truth of our reality and how it functions. There is no deviating from these laws for they were woven into this masterpiece by the Maker. Scientists will boast that their recent technological marvels break certain laws, but they’re merely bending them to gain a deeper understanding of the finely tuned craftsmanship of our world, never breaking them…The laws of society, however, are far more fragile; they’re man-made creations that can be easily broken. No law ever written is as powerful as cold steel…Or in this era’s case, a fully armed warship. Laws of the State, Empire, Republic, Federation, and our Zaibatsu are not backed by some divine force. They’re backed by men and women like you. Flawed human beings are what give these man-made laws any power or significance. Without them, they’re meaningless rules you’d follow out of courtesy, or break without fear of consequences…The Peacekeepers of the Zaibatsu are capable individuals who will bring down a consequence on your head swiftly should you be caught performing any illegal activities here in Hoiyori, but don’t feel as if these laws have any control over the world, or you. When it comes to following them you are either following them because you’re afraid to step out of line, or being considerate to those around you.”

Suha Raibuya

She then segues into this next quote, which shows her speaking sympathetically of how the Guristas are portrayed

“Do note, I understand the need for law and order in society, i do not scoff at their use. You can’t have civilization without them, even these supposed “Outlaws” understand this. For example, the media would portray the Guristas as nothing more than a barbaric tribe of marauders that haven’t the faintest idea what a law is. The reality is the Guristas are just as civilized as the four empires! They have a formidable military force that has the discipline and skill to rival the Caldari State. They rapidly create new and advanced technology that the Empires dream of having the secrets to, and they’re home to countless men and women who’ve been forgotten by these oh-so-great Empires. The Guristas follow their own rules in their territory, it’s not some bloody free-for-all where we are murdering and stealing from one another in broad daylight, there’s as much order in a Guristas station as there is a Caldari one…Do the empires care? No, they’re to caught up in their own fear of a rogue element that they can’t control with their meaningless legislations. They point and scream that they’re the monsters, brand them as criminals and proceed to revel in their death and demise. Because in New Eden, it’s fine to murder and steal from those aligned with the Guristas, in fact it’s legal to do it in the eyes of CONCORD…The Empires hide behind these laws to justify their rampages and legitimize their genocide. Do they care? No, they refuse to look at people not waving one of their white-listed flags as human. Capsuleers are the worst, most self-righteous raiders that slaughter in the name of their governments so they can be hailed as heroes when they return home or boast over the galnet for praise from their peers. You can’t lay a hand on a citizen or soldier of one of the Empires, but you can lay waste to entire stations and fleets of these “pirates” and be rewarded. Laws of society have been weaponized to justify their murder. Murder on behalf of the Guristas is seen with scorn and disgust, while murder on the behalf of one of the Empires is seen as heroic and justified. So why should the Guristas obey their laws when they’re weaponized against them? Weaponized with the intent of eradicating them. Once again, I tell you all that the laws of society are not of the divine, they’re made by humans like you and me. To break a law of CONCORD is not defying a God, it’s defying the men who designed the law to suit their needs.”

Suha Raibuya

These two quotes collected from the sermon are at the center of this controversy. Word of what was said had spread through the colony and is concerning many colonists as to what exactly Suha is teaching her followers. Many are worried that Suha is implying that it’s fine to break the law so long as you don’t get caught and getting her followers to buy into a reality where the Guristas are the real victims of society despite their long rap sheet of pirate activities, terrorist plots and black marketing (To name a few examples.)

The real concern that comes from these quotes stems from the fact that Suha has built herself up as a popular community figure in Hoiyori. She’s an outgoing social butterfly that will attend small parties hosted between colonists, seek out and converse with strangers, settle disputes and offer people a shoulder to cry on in their time of need. Not to mention that she’s also the spiritual leader for the Zaibatsu. In short, she’s a celebrity to many of the colonists who look up to her and trust her. Even recently, Colony administration has adopted her likeness to be a mascot of sorts for maintenance and construction signs across Hoiyori due to her familiarity among colonists.

This influence Suha has over her fans and followers is where the danger lies. Her sermons stay focused on spiritual subjects and material only for this one to segue into a politically charged statement, giving the impression she’s sneaking other messages in during other sermons.

Suha’s sympathetic view of the Guristas undoubtedly comes from her upbringing in a Guristas colony in Venal, a fact that she shows no shame or fear of revealing to others. She takes an amount of pride in where she hails from and on numerous occasions has made negative or critical statements about the Caldari State. It should also be pointed out that the Windchime teaching of Wayism developed by Suha started in this aforementioned colony, giving some the impression that this is just a version of Wayism for pirates, and these recent remarks push that narrative further.

No law is broken in this story, Suha phrased her remarks as a philosophical argument rather than rhetoric inciting action or violence. Thus being cleared of having any legal action taken against her, though her character is still brought into question. When asked by ZANIE reporters if she wanted to reword anything she said, Suha quickly replied that she stood by what she said and didn’t see the need to reword anything.

Interview: Suha Raibuya on her controversial statements.

Nannaras X

February 24th YC 121

In light of the controversy surrounding the Windchime guru Suha Raibuya and her recent remarks, ZANIE has invited her back into the studio a second time to sit down for another chat to get a deeper perspective on what she was talking about. Making her the first recurring guest ZANIE has had in for an interview.

The tone of the following interview however is drastically different than the one Suha did previously, were the former was positive and calm and this being extremely passionate and heated. Suha presents arguments in favor of the Guristas pirates and against the Caldari State. It should be note before reading that Suha’s viewpoints in the following transcript should be taken her opinions and not the Zaibatsu’s offical stance.

We go now to the transcript.

[Hoovand]
“Back in studio to talk about the troubling remarks she recently made in a spiritual sermon, we have, Suha Raibuya, guru of the Windchimes. Suha, welcome back as our first ever returning guest.”

[Suha]
“Thank you Hoovand, it’s an honor. Though I admit I’m a tad miffed…did you say my remarks were troubling?”

[Hoovand]
“Well…I suppose I’ll just jump right into it. Suha your recent remarks have caused a stir in Hoiyori. You gave a concerning statement that vaguely encouraged colonists to break the law, citing that legislation of the empires was meaningless and laws were merely rules you follow out of courtesy or fear.”

[Suha]
“Vaguely encouraged? Hoovand, I dare say you’re stretching and interpreting my message incorrectly. I didn’t encourage illegal action, I encouraged those listening to realize what laws of society really are. Yes, they’re merely rules Hoovand, I care not for how many layers of bureaucracy there are to put them into effect. They’re no different than the rules you’d adhere to when you step into a bar or restaurant.”

[Hoovand]
“Do you not think by downplaying the significance of laws you’re telling people that they’re not that big of a deal and shouldn’t care all that much about breaking them?”

[Suha]
“I believe I didn’t downplay them at all. I’d say I gave it a fair view. I expressed that they’re a necessary component of civilization, they’re essential in maintaining order, but only when there’s a suitable consequence to dissuade anyone from stepping out of line. When you don’t have one is when people shouldn’t care all that much about breaking them. The point of my message was that its not the Maker or the Winds’ job to enforce the laws designed by humans for their town or nation. The only laws the divine are enforcing are that of nature, laws that have tamed our universe and made it a livable environment. These are laws we adhere to regardless of what fictitious border we reside in.”

[Hoovand]
“Fictitious border? W-What do you mean by that?”

[Suha]
“I’m referring to this imaginary concept of sovereignty that humankind has conjured in it’s long history. This idea that we can claim ownership of this universe the Maker created all because we planted some flag in the ground or holographic banner in space. We draw lines in the sand and declare our side as property of our kind. It’s a glorified way of saying we’ve urinated on some rocks and trees, thus it’s marked as our territory now. It’s imaginary Hoovand, it doesn’t exist physically. Only in our minds does it exist. Hence why these borders and boundaries nations love to define are fictitious. Just because institutions like CONCORD acknowledge it doesn’t change the fact.“

[Hoovand]
“O…kay, so you wouldn’t say the Guristas have legitimate sovereignty over their region of Venal?”

[Suha]
“The Guristas establish control over their corner of New Eden by fortifying it with fleets and soldiers and establishing infrastructure. CONCORD acknowledging Venal as being under the Guristas control is just them accepting the fact no Capsuleer or baseliner can pry control from the Guristas. That said, it doesn’t matter if CONCORD acknowledges the Guristas’ “sovereignty” because the Guristas are not gonna wait around for CONCORD or the State to recognize Venal as their home. It was home the moment they settled there.

[Hoovand]
“Speaking of the Guristas , guess we should change gears amd talk about the other half of the controversy in Hoiyori. You made a statement to your sympathetic statement towards the Guristas.”

[Suha]
“What exactly is controversial here?”

[Hoovand]
“The fact that you’re framing an organization that is composed of pirates and terrorists as victims to put it bluntly.”

[Suha]
“I never said the Guristas were victims, I was pointing out the crumbling narrative the Empires have about the Guristas being some band of lawless marauders that have no sense of civility in them and pointing out the brutal measures the empires are taking to eradicate them.

[Suha]
“A terrorist can be seen just as much as a hero as they can be a villain.”

[Hoovand]
“What are you even talking about?”

[Suha]
“I’m saying that a terrorist can be perceived positively or negatively based on what exactly it is they do. Think of the Amarr Empire and how a Matari tribesman would be labeled a terrorist after having sabotaged a wall or security network of a slave camp and freed the inhabitants. Back home? This tribesman would be hailed as a hero for dealing a blow to Slavery.”

[Hoovand]
“Well What in Divinity’s Edge are the Guristas committing terrorist acts for that justifies the means?”

[Suha]
“These “terrorist acts” are done to hit a corrupt corporatized nation where it hurts, and inform them that they’re not invincible; that they can bleed just like the rest of us; and that they’re not some special collective of humans that have the favor of the divine by default.”

[Hoovand]
“Corrupt? Aren’t the Guristas the source of corruption in the State in the first place? A pirate outfit that’s primary focus is to make money at the expense of other human beings.”

[Suha]
“You don’t think this is the State’s focus as well?!”

[Hoovand]
“Please sit back down…”

[Suha]
“The State is literally made up of corporations with BIGGER corporations in control. What is the primary focus of a corporation Hoovand?! To make money! The State glorifies profits and encourage exploitation of lucrative opportunities to make more. They’ll charge their citizens exorbitant prices for healthcare, making dying a cheaper alternative to receiving care for a treatable illness, facilitate thousands of PMCs to fuel war economies, rape entire planets for raw resources to turn into useless products to sell to foreigners and their own people. For as much profit the Guristas have made with piracy, the State has made three times the amount by manipulating their own people into buying these useless distractions that will be replaced with a “New and improved” version or forgotten about in the future when we grow bored of them!

[Hoovand]
“Manipulating their own people? Do you have evidence for these claims? Also c-can you sit back down? Please.”

[Suha]
“Just visit the Caldari State and just look around, it’s all the evidence you need! It’s littered with advertisements for junk like game consoles, cars, fashion and factory processed food items like candy and soda. You see it in the streets and in the comforts of your own home when you’re catching up on your holo-stories and they stop for a commercial break. You go on the Galnet? Even more advertisement there! In fact it’s intelligent advertisement that will evolve based on who you are, it will learn who you are and advertise more and more relevant products based on your interests. These advertisements are manipulative in design! They’re designed to make you think a certain way about something and encourage you to act. The citizens of the State are nothing more than a demographic for the corporations to market towards - another demographic for them to manipulate.”

[Hoovand]
“Can you please sit back down?”

[Suha]
“And you know what the most baffling part of it all is Hoovand?! It’s that all these people living under the State’s influence have been taught to love it! They’ve been taught to love their position on the ladder of being something the corporations can sell their garbage to, they swell with pride about it! It called patriotism, the nonsense mouthpieces like Tibus Heth babbled on about and what people in the State are just generally known for. The Caldari take pride in their State, take pride that a Mega corporation controls their fate and life. Prideful to the point why they’ll happily enlist in the armed forces to take a bullet for a mega corporation! Happily follow the blips on their radars, shoot anyone they’re told to and salute the person above them in rank like an unquestioning puppet. The corporations in the Federation at least have the decency to hide behind politicians to give people the illusion that the corporations aren’t in control. In the State they just give it to them straight.

[Hoovand]
“I’m saying this one final time, can you please sit back down?”

[Suha]
“Fine. I said what i needed to say.”

[Hoovand]
“Thank you…Now I’m just gonna steer the conversation in another direction. You grew up in a Guristas colony, correct? How did that work out?”

[Suha]
“Worked out like any other colony. Our purpose was agriculture, we grew food to feed both ourselves and the Guristas. As for what kind of people were living there, it was a colony designated to house families and relatives of active personnel in the Guristas military, with an occasional retired captain settling down here and there…You expect the families of these pirates to live in some dilapidated slum with the questionable riff raff that drifts into Venal? Nonsense, my colony was as civilized as normal as they came. At the same time it wasn’t all quafe and cookies, we had to earn our keep just as much as those serving aboard ships.”

[Hoovand]
“In that case, someone related to you was an active member of the Guristas?”

[Suha]
“My Father - he was a chief engineer aboard a cruiser. A cruiser that was unfortunately shot down while guarding a scouting outpost in high-security space by some Capsuleer… Flying a Gila no less.”

[Hoovand]
“I’m…Sorry for your lose.”

[Suha]
“It’s been years, I’ve gotten over it by now.”

[Hoovand]
“I can see that…So was your citizenship in the colony brought into question at all after his death? Since you were no longer related to an active service member.”

[Suha]
“No, I earned my keep by working the fields. I did my job and in return I received the benefits of living somewhere safe from the Caldari State and their manipulation, had food in my stomach and clothing on my back. What more could i want from life?”

[Hoovand]
“So when did you end up becoming Suha Raibuya, the Windchime guru?”

[Suha]
“After living among nature for so long and learning from the Wayists that came in from the Caldari State. It’s not like the Caldari that join the Guristas immediately discard their spirituality, but they did have to start questioning it because as they were taught that the winds protect the Caldari, fight their battles and loved the Caldari State and would it stood for. In the State they feed them a coddling lie to make them feel special, to make them feel superior just because they were Caldari and bended knee to the State as if it’s some chosen nation…No different than the Amarr declaring themselves God’s chosen people. So you can imagine it can be awkward for many Gurista to have Wayist beliefs. They had it in their head that their faith revolves around the Caldari State and frankly I don’t see how that is. I don’t see why the Winds would favor one singular planet out of thousands the Maker created and give the people on it a divine advantage over anyone that isn’t them. I thought Wayism was suppose to be about survival of the fittest, not survival of the Caldari…So I learned from them and started questioning it just as they were until I came to the conclusion that the world doesn’t revolve around the Caldari, or the Guristas or this Zaibatsu. The Maker may have given birth to our world, but it is the world that gave birth to humanity and all other forms of life within. Nobody is inherently special because they’re Caldari or Amarr and none of the winds have the time to decide anyone’s fate - We must take control of our own lives and find our own purpose in this vast universe and not let our ethnicity or nation decide our destiny. Then, I merely started sharing my views and others in my colonies began seeing me as their spiritual leader…To put a long story short.”

[Hoovand]
“I see…Well unfortunately we’re running out of time so we do need to wrap this up. Admittedly I have more questions i wanna ask you to put on record. Getting right into it, you cited the the Guristas are a civilization much like the Caldari State. It never started out that way, it started out as band of desperados and thugs - the name Guristas literally translates to “Naughty People” after all. The Guristas never intended to be a nation or build a civilization. It was a pirate outfit full of robbers, kidnappers, murderers and other scum of the cluster. How do you justify the beginning of this civilization you speak of?”

[Suha]
“It’s not like the two founders walked away with the State with clout to influence Emperors or caches of resources to build entire armies, they started at the very bottom…They probably didn’t even consider at first what they could end up building - probably started off thinking they would die horribly in some raid, maybe even were prepared for that reality as they would be able to die on their own terms rather than rot away under the oppression of the State. I can’t speak for them as I’ve never met either of them personally, I can only speak of them and what they’ve done. Its thanks to The Rabbit that they have cutting edge technology that makes the Caldari State envious and thanks to Fatal that the Guristas have such a well organized and disciplined military force. We have stations that don’t have chaotic free-for-alls inside, colonies with people who haven’t even harmed a single person in their entire life. The Guristas have a production division that mines ore from asteroid belts, produce new ships, materials, the Guristas actually CREATE things. What else does there have to be for you to see that Venal is home to a civilization much like the regions of high-security space? Do they need CONCORD’s meaningless seal of approval? Do they need to get on their knees and suffocate on their self righteous judicial cock to be seen as legitimate civilization, Hoovand? It’s thanks to these spineless Empires CONCORD this arbiter of what is right or wrong, they’re the real problem - not the Guristas…”

[Hoovand]
“Ooookay, well…You got a colorful way of expressing your argument. That much is true i’d say…Right, so…Suha you are clearly passionate about this subject, but i gotta ask since you look upon your homelands so fondly…Why are you here? It’s a rude question i know, but…Why are you with the Zaibatsu?”

[Suha]
“Simple…You’re right Hoovand, the Guristas’ primary focus is money - In New Eden it’s as essentially as water is for human beings. You think running an operation on their scale is cheap? The amount of ships that need to be replaced and wages that need to be paid? The expenses are off the charts, of course they need to focus on making money, they need to focus on their survival. My focus on the other hand is spiritual enlightenment, and as i said previously Hoovand, i believed we should not let our ethnicity or nation decide our destiny. I followed my own path and the Zaibatsu just happened to be an opening for me. I find it to be a comforting middle ground between the State and the Guristas.”

[Hoovand]
“A…middle ground? Um…Right, Suha, it was a uh, pleasure to speak with you - again that is. I do appreciate you stopping by, but it appears we’re out of time and i need to wrap this up for good. So once again, i thank you for coming by.”

Nannarss X

March 1st YC 121

The month of February has concluded, the Zaibatsu now steps forward into the month of March. This means it’s once again time for another monthly meeting between each representative of the CORE modules to discuss current affairs and statistics of the Zaibatsu.

The prominent subject for the meeting was the continuing growth of controversy surrounding the Windchime Guru Suha Raibuya. Recently she has been put under the eye of scrutiny in Hoiyori after she made pro-Guristas remarks during a spiritual sermon she held roughly a week ago. After this, ZANIE invited her back into the studio for an interview to get a deeper perspective on her comments, and what we got was a look at her true colors. She went on a tirade against specific factors of life in the Caldari State and passionately defended the Guristas Pirates and their criminal actions, not to mention also suggesting the Raata Zaibatsu was a “middle-ground” between the Guristas and the Caldari State. This interview has accidentally added fuel to the fire among the already concerned colonists. Suha has already established herself as an influential resident of Hoiyori, well connected in various different social circles in Hoiyori, and extremely outgoing.

This clout is where the danger lies; the question that remained was whether or not the Patriarch would decide to step in and clamp down on Suha, or allow her to continue on uncensored. The CORE council member championing against Suha is the Exchange President Stelmari Oksasio who had this to say during the meeting:

“This is just part of the Guristas’ playbook when it comes to these independent colonies. Instead of just raiding you, killing everyone and taking the loot - they cozy up to you and get you thinking they’re your friend. For these poor shitholes that can’t afford a few units of food or medicine? All the Guristas gotta do is hand them some then boom, that colony is officially in the Guristas’ pockets. The second you got some colonists saying anything on the lines of, “Hey, the Guristas aren’t that bad,” then you have a problem. Since Hoiyori is a much more high-caliber colony, they’ve got to be more crafty about how they get a positive perception into our minds and they’re doing it right now though religion. More and more people here saying, “Hey, the Guristas aren’t that bad,” and it’s only a matter of time until this cute little council of ours is compromised…Oh wait, what am I saying!? We’re already compromised! The Matron over here treats Suha like her own child and the entire Conglomerate agrees with her version of Wayism. Now Patriarch, we can either clamp down on this ■■■■ ASAP, or we’re gonna end up being a bitch to the Guristas - and that’s gonna have it’s own problems.”

Stelmari Oksasio

Stelmai is openly suggesting that Suha is an active agent of the Guristas, intentionally spreading pro-guristas messages to stir dissent and change public opinion of the Guristas so they can have influence over the Zaibatsu. On top of this, he suggests the CORE council of leadership is compromised already due to the close relationship the Ohrion Conglomerate’s Matron shares with Suha. In response, she had this to say during the meeting:

“…It is true that Suha is dear to me, that I do care for her as if she was my own child. Does this make me supportive of the Guristas? No, it makes me supportive of her and her vision. The Conglomerate follows her teachings as they inspire us to explore and appreciate every detail the Maker has placed into our world. To not let physical differences and different upbringings separate us from becoming Raata equally. To seek out our purpose and improve ourselves…Her message isn’t about the Guristas, it’s about all of us. She is not here to cause a disruption on the behalf of the Guristas, she is here to teach and enlighten. Though I will say that she might have to work on not mixing politics and spirituality together from now on. That said, is she a threat or danger to us? No, she’s a benefit.

Tuilina Malioka

In Tuilina’s corner supporting her were Akels Searbier and Auljam Karvose citing that she should continue to have the right to speak her mind and teach her philosophy of Wayism as she sees fit. One the other hand Stelmari has Viokoro Velan and Tokitu Yaken of the Mryskytuuli Regiment weighing in favor of censoring Suha due to security concerns her criticism of law and order were creating. Ultimately, the decision whether or not to censor Suha was left up to the Patriarch to decide.

The Patriarch has already received criticism regarding Suha’s place in the Zaibatsu, given how she was recruited by him directly he must have known ahead of time of her upbringings and sympathetic ties to the Guristas. Whether or not this is true is not for ZANIE to speculate upon, but to inform our readers. The Patriarch chose to close the subject declaring Suha Raibuya would not receive any kind of censorship and will continue on as normal. The Patriarch cites that so long as Suha doesn’t call for violent or disruptive action, then there is no concern.

ZANIE is unfortunately not authorized to report on the reaction in the meeting minutes that this decision provoked.

In other news, the cleaning up of Z-1SE2 is still underway and progressing steadily. The beaches of the landmass have been cleared and personnel on the island are now entering the construction phase on the shores. Every corner of the beach is to be used to house more personnel and equipment, once this is done all camps will begin the long, tedious chore of working inland towards the center. Morale is currently steady with plenty of workers disgruntled at the idea of cleaning up this junkyard of an island, while others look forward to the chance of cleaning up the island for the future of the Zaibatsu.

A proper name for Z-1SE2 has still not been agreed upon as elders of House Yaken still can’t come up with a former Patriarch or Matriarch deserving of the honor of having a dumping ground named after them. A mock name of “Zises” has been conjured by those working in the island as a quick way to pronounce the island’s serial number.

Interview: Makoto Priano

Eram - Bureau Memorial Laboratory

March 14th YC 121

Semiki escalates as Drifters appear in system and besiege Capsuleer citadels.

ZANIE has been monitoring the events unfolding in Semiki since news about a sabotage aboard the Zainou biohazard containment facility and the appearance of a strange virus was dropped by The Scope news agency. Since then, Capsuleers have flocked to the system to render humanitarian aid to those affected and assist official Caldari forces in ensuring another security breach doesn’t occur.

Next to fall in line in this series of events is the appearance of Drifters, who show up such force that besiege and assault several citadels in the system anchored to provide aid. Adding a whole new layer of mystery to what exactly is going on in the system. Looking to get some answers - Kalto Moxin of ZANIE’s external news team sits down with Itsukame-Zainou Hyperspatial Inquiries CEO and one of the many iconic figures in Drifter research, Makoto Priano.

We go now to the transcript:

[Kalto]
“Today, I’m in the Eram system aboard the Bureau Memorial Laboratory owned by the Itsukame-Zinou Hyperspatial Inquires Ltd, or IKAME for short. My guest is none other than the CEO of IKAME and one of the most prominent names in Drifter and Triglavian research - Makoto Priano. Makoto, I thank you for giving me this honor with speaking with you, and do apologize if it appears if I’m not giving due to credit to the other fine minds under IKAME and ARC’s banner who’ve contributed their fair share to the pool of knowledge New Eden has on these external threats. That said, with what’s been going on in Semiki i can’t think of a better person to sit down with. There’s a lot i want to unpack, but first might i ask how you’re doing?”

[Makoto]
“Thank you for speaking with me, Mr. Moxin! And I’m doing well, thank you. Always busy, of course, hence why I’m in Eram at this particular moment. But we’re all always busy, which is a credit to the pilots and researchers who dedicate their time to the emergent threats confronting New Eden. And may I add? Thank you for acknowledging the fine minds! We’ve benefited from having many involved, and look to collaborating with many more pilots in the future.”

[Kalto]
“Good to hear, now introductions aside let’s get into this. First - a brief run down of the events that have transpired in Semiki. Day 1, The Scope reports on the Biohazard Containment Facility in the system owned by Zainou being compromised by some saboteur, followed by some malicious malware appearing and infected the implants of Aliastra employees going in between the Zainou station and a Aliastra owned warehouse in Semiki. IKAME and other notable organizations loyal to the Caldari State such as I-RED and HECON respond to the crisis. Officials release details linking the malware attacking Aliastra Employeee to subroutine software utilized by Rogue Drones, as well as providing more info on this saboteur. IKAME and other Capsuleers begin collecting Rogue Drone components and Triglavian trinary datastreams to donate to offical to aid in the investigation until CONCORD steps in and starts flexing a policy about there being to many components stockpiled in this one location. The Ishukone Corporation steps in with support from the Chief Executive Panel to push CONCORD back so they can get those materials. Is this order of events correct?”

[Makoto]
“In broad strokes, correct! Though I’ll add that we still don’t know much about Vailakkel, neither how the interrogation has been proceeding, nor his whereabouts between his dismissal from Lai Dai and his reappearance aboard the Zainou station in Semiki.”

[Kalto]
“Vailakke - The saboteur in question. I want to discuss him but not before pointing out the next series of events that follow in this chain. Because what’s next to start appearing in Semiki are wrecks of Drifter battleships, Drifters themselves and then and most recently, entire fleets of them coming down on several key citadels anchored by Capsuleers in the system…Now i understand the question I’m about to ask is unprofessional, but frankly i got no clue how to approach this subject without just point blank asking you out right what you think this all is. Like, if you had to lock in a answer right now to what is going on in this system, what would it be? Because we got links to the Rogue Drones, Triglavians and now the Drifters. What can any of this possibly mean?”

[Makoto]
“It’s well known by now that the Collective has either suborned or is in cooperation with some sets of rogue drones, to the point that CONCORD recognizes ‘Navka overminds’ as being an entity unto itself. Whether the Drifters were seeking to verify the presence of uncontained rogue drone elements, of Collective agents, or merely trying to opportunistically seize Collective data stockpiles is unknown. Either way, the Drifters were certainly in Semiki due to the rogue drone connection.”

[Kalto]
“So where would you say Vailakke fits in to all of this? Out of the possibilities you’ve listed - presence of Collective Agents was one of them and only person in Semiki that can even be remotely considered an agent of the Triglavians is Vailakke. Vailakke is the one at ground zero for this whole disaster…Now if I’m interpreting what you meant incorrect, do call me out and clarify on what you really meant by Collective Agents. Otherwise if we’re on the same page…Give me your thoughts.”

[Makoto]
“We can’t rule out the possibility that Vailakkel is operating for a non-State actor. Given CONCORD’s on-going concern about neuromemetic warfare, novel infowarfare constructs, and the Astromancer affair…Of course, the simple truth is we don’t know. It remains a possibility. We’re attempting to pursue any lead we can, and of course the Watch has far more resources for this work than we do.”

[Kalto]
“I would press further on this theory but i fear i’d be delving into realms of conspiracy theories…So instead let’s move toon to the next item on that list of possibilities, that being the Drifters showing up merely to grab hold of the stockpiles of Triglavian datastreams Capsuleers have collected. You’re the expert, so i wanna ask what exactly is so useful about this data in bulk, what can we gain from it, and more importantly, what can the Drifters gain from it?”

[Makoto]
“The trick is that the text we’re familiar with is only a partial translation. Sure, we have experience with trinary data structures. Sure, we’ve encountered the Triglavian alphabet. But there is a lot your average researcher still hasn’t exposed in terms of metadata and similar things.Imagine, for instance, that this is sort of a collective way to share ‘memories,’ in the form of infomorph-compatible or neuromemetic structures, and there’s routing history, access protocols, and header information that means little to us, but can be parsed by others who have operated trinary-based systems for possibly centuries.So, conceivably, there’s a lot more here than one would think at first.Honestly, I’m sure that’s part of way SARO’s Case Red Gamma group wants the stockpile.”

[Kalto]
“So basically if we’re gonna have any chance of learning more about the Triglavians, it’s gonna be though these datastreams. These are gateway into a whole new world of knowledge , problem currently however is cracking the code and unlocking that gate. Now your people literally wrote the history book on Drifter activity, so i think you and i can both agree that the Drifters have a history of being bombastic whenever they want to. They lurk in the shadows a vast majority of the time, and when they step out? They deliver a haymaker - and that’s what happened in Semiki when IKAME’s citadel was reinforced by an armada of Drifters. Not only that, but reinforce two other citadels in system…Thing is, they never came back for round two, correct? See, what if that was a just a display of force? If this was a smash and grab run for the Drifters then they could’ve easily came back for the next timer. If the information I’m working is accurate, the Drifters were reinforcing their attacking fleet effortlessly on the fly.”

[Makoto]
“That’s the trick, though. They did come back for round two. There were over a hundred Drifter and Drifter-allied ships amassed in system. They just didn’t attack. We still don’t know why, necessarily. It may be that CONCORD’s new systems worked. More likely, though, is that the Drifters simply didn’t have a suitable target. If they were intending to strike Collective targets…”

[Kalto]
“Sorry, I must not be up to date. I’m not familiar with any kind of &quot;new system&quot; CONCORD has, can you elaborate?”

[Kalto]
“New countermeasures? I-I mean i heard you, you said they didn’t elaborate but…What what could they be possibly talking about? I ask for your theory because I’m running all this in my head and i can’t see where this new countermeasure could be in all this. Drifters still reinforced your citadel and while they didn’t attack the second time - they still formed up in Semiki in full force… So whatever SARO got isn’t stopping them from getting in the system, but stopping them from attacking? How would something like that work? I do recall hearing reports however of a one &quot;Ovreg Drust&quot; appearing in system and scanning all the reinforced citadels. So did he sprinkle digital dust on your citadel or something?”

[Makoto]
“Honestly, I can’t even imagine what they did. SARO has avoided even suggesting what their capabilities are. Mind, I will say that wormhole formation rates from the Drifter-held systems dropped precipitously at around that time, from anywhere around 350 active wormholes at a time to approximately a hundred. If that’s SARO’s doing, then that indicates that they’ve reduced, but not eliminated, the ability of the Vigilant Tyrannos to salvage material. Of course, Lancers are always active in JO systems, so how much that actually did…&”

[Kalto]
“Would you say you trust SARO? Or CONCORD as a whole for that matter when it comes to the subject of these emergent threats? Undoubtedly CONCORD has knowledge about these forces and they ain’t sharing…Knowledge I’m sure that your people would find extremely useful…Even more so now with the Drifters becoming more bold as time moves on. I mean correct me if I’m wrong, but the attack on IKAME’s citadel was the first ever time a non-capsuleer entity has reinforced a citadel. Pirates like the Guristas and Blood Raiders have only sent small frigate wings to tap the shields, never tear them down out right…”

[Makoto]
“I respect SARO. I respect CONCORD. I understand and appreciate the difficult tasks they undertake, and that they have to deal with capsuleers who are indeed nearly rabid.At the same time, I dislike being lumped in with those capsuleers. I dislike that all of us are being dismissed and insulted by the powers that be even when we serve an essential role. Ultimately, I wonder if the failure of Operation Spectre all those years ago taught CONCORD the wrong lesson. I wonder if they thought it taught them that independent capsuleers have little utility, when the truth of it is that we have greatest utility when given an objective and free rein to accomplish that objective how we see fit.”

[Kalto]
“Operation Spectre?”

[Makoto]
“In late YC115, the empires detected an energy surge that evidently looked like the collapse of a high-energy artificial wormhole. It turned out to be the product of research conducted by the Angels and Serpentis. In response, the empires rallied capsuleers to attempt to strike the research facilities-- and walked right into null sec blockades. Needless to say, it didn’t go well. And ever since, CONCORD’s been reticent about seeking capsuleer assistance with its operations.”

[Kalto]
“So if i understand your feelings, what you’re saying is that you respect CONCORD’s authority and understand they’re handling a sensitive matter and preventing the wrong kind of Capsuleers from interfering…At the same time however, you’re agitated that all Capsuleers are lumped into this same pile as crazed psychos that will only cause problems, thus vast swathes of information is held from everyone. …No matter how devoted you are or how respectful you are to the laws - You’re still seen as some looney empyrean that has no fashion sense and some outlandish callsign with no moral compass. Would i be correct?”

[Makoto]
“Essentially. And I understand. We do use some of those loose cannons, from time to time. But I’d rather we try to use them to some productive end than to not even try.”

[Kalto]
“Forgive me if I’m jumping to assumptions here, but honestly I’m just reaching for something to transition into this next question, but when say you use loose cannons you’re referring to specific &quot;independent&quot; pilots that operate with the Arataka Research Consortium, correct? ARC being an open doors organization attracts pilots of all walks of like. Not here to name and shame, just pointing out there’s ARC and then there’s IKAME. Two different - but related - entities that have their own roster and ways of operating. You’ve made it clear that when entering Semiki, that this wasn’t an ARC matter but an IKAME matter. You guys were here because of a problem affecting the State , that at first had no intial connections to the Triglavians or Drifters. Now? with recent events and all these connections - is this an IKAME matter still or an ARC matter now?”

[Makoto]
“I’ll admit. It’s a bit complicated. To keep it brief, though, the consortium started as an enterprise with support from PNS, SFRIM, Signal Cartel, and IKAME. The exact nature of the group has been, I’ll admit, a bit amorphous and prone to drift. Basically said, though, the Semiki situation remains primarily an IKAME matter, though the Drifter intervention certainly rose to a proper Consortium matter. And I’ll be honest: I need to be better about consulting the coordination group before raising the ARC flag for some matters.”

[Kalto]
“A sound enough plan…Now you’re quite busy and I think we’ve exchanged enough words as it is. So I’m gonna present one final question before we move onto final remarks. What is IKAME’s current plan moving forward? Assuming you’re willing to disclose that information that is.”

[Makoto]
“Absolutely. While obviously there are always operational concerns, we aim for whatever amount of transparency is practical. Very simply, at this point all we can do is advise the Watch and Zainou, given their proprietary handling of the quarantine and emergency response. Documents are being finalized as we speak. If need be, we’re absolutely ready to step up material support, though for that we’d need some amount of guidance on how to best assist in the emergency response without risking a breach of quarantine.”

{Kalto]
“Well we can only hope that more amplified support isn’t required…Makoto Priano, it was an honor to speak with you and I thank you for all your responses. Now before we part ways i wanna ask if you got any final remarks. The floor is yours to say whatever, a message to the public, something you want to mention but didn’t cover…Say whatever. Of course this is purely optional if you have nothing more to say.”

[Makoto]
“A pleasure to chat with you, Mr. Moxin. As for final comments, all I can really say this: that I hope the quarantine holds, and that some sort of novel solution proves effective. That a hardware-focused solution has proven ineffective continues to baffle us.However, we’ll press on. Tens if not hundreds of thousands of lives may depend on it.”

[Kalto]
“Encouraging words…Once again Makoto Priano, I thank you for your time and wish you and IKAME luck out there.”